dental trauma

Last reviewed 01/2018

Part of a tooth broken off or a whole tooth or several teeth knocked out:

  • haemorrhage can vary from insignificant to profuse
  • pain may not be felt from the pulp of a fractured tooth
  • vasovagal shock may occur with pallor, faintness and tachycardia

Assess:

  • the amount of bleeding
  • the need for analgesia or antibiotic
  • the extent of the damage eg a tooth to be reimplanted
  • the possibility of jaw fracture or other injury

ref: N Lawrence et al, HB Emergencies in Gen Pract 2e, 1997