Table of Contents

Dental trauma in children is a very common condition, and early intervention is important both aesthetically and functionally. Dental trauma can occur in different ways in deciduous and permanent teeth. The dentist determines the appropriate treatment methods (such as dentin protection, root canal treatment, replacing the tooth) according to the severity of the trauma.

The child should be taken to the dentist as soon as possible after dental trauma. In addition, regular check-ups should be performed during the healing process of the tooth and the condition of the tooth should be followed up in the long term.

Causes of Dental Trauma

Falls: Falling while walking or running in young children is one of the most common causes.
Sports injuries: Dental trauma is common, especially during contact sports.
Traffic accidents: Is there a problem with both the teeth and the jaw joint during opening and closing? Is there a jawbone fracture? After a detailed examination, the fracture area is immediately splinted.
Physical collisions or impacts
Chewing hard objects: Trying to break objects such as pencils and hard candy with teeth.

Types of Dental Trauma

Hard Tissue Injuries (Tooth Fractures)

Enamel fracture: Only cracks or fractures are seen in the tooth enamel.
Enamel-dentin fracture: The fracture also involves the dentin layer and can cause sensitivity if left untreated.
Fractures not reaching the pulp: The nerve and vascular tissue of the tooth are not affected.
Fractures reaching the pulp: The pulp tissue is exposed and requires emergency treatment.

Tooth Displacement (Luxation Injuries)

Subluxation: The tooth is displaced but remains in its socket.
Luxation: The tooth changes position but is still in its socket.
Extrusion: The tooth is partially out of its socket.
Avulsion: The tooth is completely out of its socket.

Alveolar Bone Injuries

Fractures occur in the supporting tissues of the tooth. This situation requires more serious intervention.

First Aid and Emergency Response

First aid is of great importance in case of dental trauma in children. Things to do:

Bleeding control: Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure with a clean gauze pad.
Protecting the tooth fragment: If a broken tooth fragment is found, it is kept in milk, saline solution or the child’s saliva.
Avulsion condition: If the tooth is completely out: The root of the tooth should not be brushed or cleaned harshly. If possible, the extracted tooth should be tried to be placed back in place, if it cannot be placed, it should be protected in milk or saline solution and a dentist should be consulted immediately.

Treatment Methods

Treatment in dental trauma varies according to the type of trauma:

Enamel fractures: Restored with aesthetic composite filling.
Fractures not reaching the pulp: The cracked area is cleaned and filled.
Fractures reaching the pulp: Pulp capping or root canal treatment may be required.
Avulsion: The tooth is placed in place and splinted. Root canal treatment is performed. Afterwards, it is followed up with monthly periods.
Luxation injuries: The tooth is placed and splinted to immobilize it. Root canal treatment is performed. The tooth is taken for follow-up.
Alveolar bone fractures: Surgical intervention may be required. Bleeding control is important here.

Prevention of Trauma

Use of mouth guards during sports.
Making slippery surfaces safe for children at home.
Preventing children from breaking hard objects with their mouths.