Dental Trauma in the Athletes

Dental Trauma Management for Athletes Dr. Eric M. Rivera, Associate Professor, UNC School of Dentistry Athletic Emergency Trauma Beeper # 123-4504, UNC School of Dentistry Endodontic Department Phone # 919-966-2707

Term Type of injury Immediate treatment Needs to be seen by Dentist Portion of the tooth broken, None. Keep moist. Within 48 hours, especially if Uncomplicated no bleeding from the Do not place any medication the athlete has difficulty due Crown Fracture fracture on the dentin. to cold sensitivity. Look for & save all fragments. Possible RCT.

Portion of the tooth broken None. Keep moist. As soon as logistically Complicated and bleeding from the Do not place any medication possible – could wait 24–48 Crown Fracture fracture on the bleeding pulp or dentin; hours if the athlete can may place sterile cotton. tolerate cold and eating. Look for & save all fragments. RCT. Tooth might appear in None. As soon as possible Root Fracture normal position but (Note that a radiograph is Splint and possible RCT. bleeding from the gum required to determine Root around the tooth. Fracture vs Luxation) The tooth might be pushed back or loose Luxation: Tooth still in its normal None. Within 48 hours, for Concussion or place and firm or slightly evaluation. Subluxation loose Possible RCT.

Luxation: Tooth usually very loose Only move the tooth back to Immediately, especially if it Lateral or and/or has moved from its normal place if easy to move. is not possible to reposition Extrusive or normal position the tooth to its normal Intrusive position. Splint and RCT.

Tooth completely out of Rinse (NOT scrape root) and Immediately, it is extremely Avulsion the mouth replace the tooth in socket. important for the prognosis If not possible to reimplant, of the tooth to be treated then store tooth in the mouth immediately. (do not swallow tooth), or in Splint and RCT. Save-A-Tooth, milk or saline. Tetanus??

01/12 RCT = Root Canal Treatment