If you are a dentist who treats dental trauma, it is imperative that you put yourself in the child’s shoes, and try to view the situation from their point of view. In one study, dentists of varying ages reported different perceptions of trauma than those of older patients (18-24 years of age). While these differences may be small, they are statistically significant.
Treatment
Traumatic dental injuries in kids can be very painful, but by knowing how to treat them, parents can reduce pain and maximize the likelihood of a successful recovery. A dentist specializing in treating kids’ dental emergencies can provide the appropriate care to minimize damage and ensure a positive outcome. Depending on the severity of the injury, some children do not require treatment, but other children may need dental surgery.
Traumatic dental injuries are particularly common in preschool and school-aged children. They are most likely to occur during sports activities and other activities. Young adults are also vulnerable to oral trauma, with most occurring during leisure time or on weekends.
Prevention
Dental trauma is a common cause of tooth damage in children and involves traumatic injuries to the teeth and surrounding oral structures. Often, these dental injuries are not obvious until they are too severe to treat and must be immediately treated by a dentist. However, there are some things you can do to prevent dental trauma.
First, be sure to supervise your children’s activities. If possible, use protective mouth guards. This will minimize the severity of the trauma.
Diagnosis
The dentist can perform a series of tests and procedures to assess the damage and the prognosis of dental trauma in kids. The doctor may use imaging tests to look for fractures in the bone and damage to the tooth root, or to detect a foreign body that may have been swallowed. Depending on the type of trauma, treatment may be minimal or involve surgery to repair the tooth or bones of the jaw.
Diagnosis of dental trauma in kids can be complicated by the fact that a child may have sustained injuries to multiple teeth. However, a simple exam can give a general idea of the type of trauma. A dentist will be able to rule out more serious dental injuries and discuss management options. First, he or she will want to assess the occlusion to see if the tooth has been displaced or broken. Other signs of dental trauma include the presence of tooth sensitivity.
Communication with child and parents
Parents and dentists can make a big difference in the outcome of dental visits for kids. Whether your child is reluctant to visit the dentist or is frightened by the prospect of having a tooth pulled, you can help calm his fears by communicating effectively with him. One important way to do so is to explain the procedures before they begin.
Two researchers conducted this research. One focused on conversational patterns and the other on nonverbal behaviours. This enabled them to identify the phases and strategies used in communication. Another researcher analyzed the transcribed conversations to determine their sequence and turn-taking patterns. The researchers discussed their findings to reach a consensus.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests for dental trauma in kids are often needed after a child has a dental injury. The purpose of these tests is to determine if there is a fracture in the bone or damage to a tooth root or blood vessel. They may also be necessary to determine whether a child has swallowed a foreign body. While many kids will not need these tests, some will require them. Treatment will vary depending on the type of injury and whether the tooth has been displaced or is primary or permanent.
The risks of radiation from dental x-rays are minimal. Modern high-speed technologies and filters help minimize the exposure to radiation. However, too much radiation can be harmful to living tissue. Most imaging tests are safe to administer, and the amount of radiation is reduced over time.
Surgery
Traumatic dental injuries are among the most common dental health problems worldwide. The treatment for these injuries varies from person to person, depending on the specific injury. About one child out of two sustains a dental injury at some point in their lifetime, usually during childhood. Early detection and treatment can greatly lessen the effects of dental trauma. The International Association of Dental Traumatology has developed guidelines for the evaluation and management of these types of injuries.
Pediatric dental trauma often involves a sporting accident or tumble that causes the tooth to break or be badly damaged. The impact can damage the tooth, which in turn may require surgery to repair. In some cases, child abuse can also lead to dental injuries.
