Dental trauma is very common, and often occurs alongside other injuries, especially facial and head injuries. Where required perform a primary and secondary survey prior to instituting dental management. Management of dental trauma is different with primary (baby) teeth, as compared to permanent teeth, as primary teeth are never repositioned, splinted or replanted. Severe injuries to primary teeth can cause later problems in the formation and eruption of permanent teeth. Treatment of injuries to primary teeth are aimed at minimising additional risks to the developing permanent teeth. Crown discolouration is a common complication after dental injury. This may resolve with time. Extraction is only required where there is associated infection of the dental pulp (nerve). Healing after a dental injury requires good oral hygiene. Swabbing the area with 0.1% chlorhexidine twice a day for 10–14 days reduces the infection risk. A soft diet will also allow loose teeth to become firmer.
