A M E R I C A N A C A D E M Y OF PEDIATRIC D ENTIS TR Y

Guidelines for the Management of Traumatic Dental

Injuries: 3. Injuries in the Primary Dentition
O r ig in a tin g G ro u p
International Association of Dental Traumatology

E n d o rs e d by t h e A m e ric a n A c a d e m y o f P e d ia tric D e n tis tr y

2013

Barbra Malmgren1*

Jens 0. Andreasen2*

Marie Therese Flores3* Agneta Robertson4* Anthony J. DiAngelis5*

Giacomo Cavalleri7 Nestor Cohenca8 Peter Day9 Morris

Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi14

A b s tr a c t:
th e

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In te rn a tio n a l A s s o c ia tio n

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ta sk

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Malmgren"

Alex j.

th e p r im a r y d e n titio n p re s e n t s p e c ia l p ro b le m s a n d th e m a n a g e m e n t is o fte n

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th e ir o p in io n

based
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consensus

va rio u s
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Lars Andersson6

Moule12 Juan Onetto13

s p e c ia litie s
th e

a p p ro v a l.

m a n a g e m e n t o f p r im a r y

s ta te m e n t
w ere

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te e th

a fte r

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or

goal o f

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IA D T

c a n n o t a n d d o e s n o t g u a ra n te e fa v o ra b le o u tc o m e s fr o m s tr ic t a d h e re n c e to th e g u id e lin e s , b u t b e lie v e th a t th e ir a p p lic a tio n can m a x im iz e

th e ch a n ces o f a p o s itiv e o u tc o m e .

(D e n ta l T ra u m a to lo g y 2012;28:174-182; d o i: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01146.x) A c c e p te d M a rc h 2 6 ,2 0 1 2

KEYWORDS: TOOTH, TRAUMA, PRIMARY, LUXATION, FRACTURE, REVIEW

1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; 2Department of Oral and Maxillo
facial Surgery, Center of Rare Oral Diseases, Copenhagen University
Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; 3Department of Pedia
tric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso,
Chile; 4Department of Pedodontics, Institute of Odontology, Gothenburg
University, Gothenburg, Sweden; departm ent of Dentistry, Hennepin
County Medical Center and University of Minnesota School of Dentistry,
Minneapolis, MN, USA; departm ent of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of
Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait;
departm ent of Dentistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; sDepartment of Endodontics, University o f Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; 9Pedi
atric Dentistry. Leeds Dental Institute and Bradford District Care Trust
Salaried Dental Service, Leeds, UK: 10Department of Endodontics, Univer
sity of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA; 11Orthodontic
Clinic, Folktandvarden, Uppsala, Sweden; 12Private Practice, University of
Queensland, Brisbane, QLD. Australia; 13Department of Pediatric Den
tistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile;
14Private Practice, Amagun, Aichi, Japan.
Correspondence to Barbro Malmgren. DDS, PhD, DrMed, Karolinska
Institutet, Department of Dental Medicine, Division of Pediatric Dentistry,
POB 4064, SE-14104 Huddinge, Sweden.
Tel.: +46739851788
Fax: +468774.3395
e-mail: [Link]@[Link]
* Members of the Task Group.

W henever re ferrin g to IADT Guidelines, th e o rig inal article,

(D ent Traum atol 2012;28:174-182) should always be used as
reference.

Trauma to the oral region occurs frequently and

comprises 5% of all injuries for which people seek treat
ment (1-3). In preschool children, head and facial non
oral injuries make up as much as 40% of all somatic
injuries (1-3). In the age group 0-6 years, oral injuries
are ranked as the second most common injury covering
18% of all somatic injuries (1-3). Of the oral injuries,
dental injuries are the most frequent, followed by oral
soft-tissue injuries. Luxation injuries affecting both mul
tiple teeth and surrounding soft tissues are mainly
reported in children 1-3 years of age and are typically
as a result of falls (2, 4-11). Emergency situations there
fore present a challenge to clinicians worldwide. It is
now recognized that child injuries are a major threat to
child health and that they are a neglected public health
problem (12). A healthcare professional's decision on
how to treat combined with parental consent and
patient assent (13) is the preferred scenario encountered
when facing pediatric emergencies (14).
Guidelines for the management of primary teeth
injuries should assist dentists, other healthcare profes
sionals, and parents or carers in decision making. They
should be credible, readily understandable, and practi
cal with the aim of delivering the best care possible in
an efficient manner.
The International Association of Dental Traumatol
ogy (IADT) has developed an updated set of guidelines
based on a review of the current dental literature utiliz
ing EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed searches from

Copyright 2012, International Association of Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted w ith permission of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01146.x
Available at [Link]
E N D O RSEM ENTS

341

REFERENCE MANUAL

V 37 / NO 6

15/16

1996 to 2011 as well as a search of the Journal of Den

tal Traumatology from 2000 to 2011. Search words
included primary dentition, deciduous dentition, crown
fracture, primary incisor fracture, tooth fractures, root
fractures, tooth luxation, lateral luxation and primary
teeth, intruded primary teeth, luxated primary teeth,
tooth avulsion, and tooth/crown injuries. Additionally,
some relevant articles prior to 1996, which have served
as the basis for further research in the field of dental
traumatology, as well as recent policy statements
regarding holistic care and management of the injured
child, were also included.
The IADT published its first set of guidelines in
2001 (15) and updated them in 2007 (16). As with the
previous guidelines, the working group included experi
enced researchers and clinicians in pediatric dentistry
and oral and maxillofacial surgery. This revision repre
sents the best evidence from the available literature and
expert professional judgement. In cases where the data
did not appear conclusive, recommendations were
based on the consensus opinion of the working group
followed by review by the members of the IADT Board
of Directors. It is understood that guidelines are to be
applied with judgement of the specific clinical circum
stances, clinicians' prudence, and patients characteris
tics, including but not limited to compliance, finances
and understanding of the immediate and long-term
outcomes of treatment alternatives versus non-treat
ment. The IADT cannot and does not guarantee favor
able outcomes from strict adherence to the Guidelines,
but believe that their application can maximize the
chances of a positive outcome. Guidelines undergo
periodic updates. These 2012 Guidelines in the journal
Dental Traumatology appear in three parts.
Part I: Fractures and luxations o f permanent teeth (Dent
Traumatol 2012;28:issue 1)
Part II: Avulsion of permanent teeth (Dent Traumatol
2012;28:issue 2)
Part III: Injuries in the primary dentition (Dent
Traumatol 2012;28:issue 3)

Guidelines offer recommendations for diagnosis and

treatment of specific traumatic dental injuries (TDIs);
however, they cannot provide comprehensive nor
detailed information found in textbooks, scientific litera
ture, and most recently the dental trauma guide (DTG).
The latter can be accessed on [Link] Additionally, the DTG is also available
on the IADT web page ([Link]
org) and provides a visual and animated documenta
tion of treatment procedures as well as estimates of
prognosis for the various TDIs.
Because the management of permanent and primary
traumatized dentitions differs significantly, separate
guidelines have been developed (Tables 1 and 2).
Special considerations for trauma to primary teeth

A young child is often difficult to examine and treat

because of the lack of cooperation and because of fear.
The situation is distressing for both the child and
parents or carers (17).
Furthermore, there are varying conditions in differ
ent countries concerning economic and social aspects
as well as treatment philosophies (7, 17, 18). How

ever, child and family-centered pediatric practices and

institutions should consider the best interests of chil
dren and prepare clinicians to ensure the fulfillment
of children's rights when treatment decisions are
made (19).
It is important to keep in mind that there is a close
relationship between the apex of the root of the injured
primary tooth and the underlying permanent tooth
germ. Tooth malformation, impacted teeth, and erup
tion disturbances in the developing permanent
dentition are some of the consequences that can occur
following severe injuries to primary teeth and/or alveo
lar bone (5, 20-23). White or yellow-brown discolor
ation of crown and hypoplasia of permanent incisors
are, however, the most common sequelae following
intrusion and avulsion of primary teeth in children dur
ing the ages of 1-3 years (21-27). Because of these
potential sequelae, treatment selections should be
aimed at minimizing any additional risks of further
damage to the permanent successors. It is therefore not
recommended, for instance, to replant an avulsed
primary incisor (16, 28, 29).
A child's maturity and ability to cope with the emer
gency situation, the time for shedding of the injured
tooth, and the occlusion, are all important factors that
influence treatment selection.
Repeated trauma episodes are frequent in children.
It should be taken into consideration if planning
root canal treatment in an injured primary tooth
because trauma recurrence will shorten the survival
time for the primary tooth (30).
There is no consensus in the literature about best
treatment for the traumatized primary dentition. Fur
thermore, children with dental injuries are not always
brought in for treatment immediately, which may be
due the to lack of access to dental care (31, 32). While
some reports advocate routine tooth extraction, others
stress the importance of a more conservative approach
by saving primary teeth whenever possible (29, 33).
Traumatic pulp exposures of primary incisors are rare
but can be treated with partial pulpotomy (34). Pulpectomy with zinc oxide eugenol or calcium hydroxide/
iodoform paste is recommended in some countries
(30,35,36). However, if full cooperation of the child can
not be achieved, extraction is usually the alternative
option.
It has been demonstrated that most luxation inju
ries heal spontaneously (37, 38), avoiding the trau
matic experience of a tooth extraction. The clinician's
skills and experience with pediatric patients is of out
most importance for managing the patient's and the
parents' or carers' behavior in the emergency situa
tion (17). After an accurate diagnosis and explana
tion of various treatment options to the parents or
carers, the clinician and parents or carers must
decide the treatment planning for the child's own
benefit.
Guidelines for the clinician

These Guidelines contain recommendations for diagno

sis and treatment of traumatic injuries in the primary
dentition, for caries-free, healthy primary teeth, using
proper examination procedures.

Copyright 2012, International Association o f Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted w ith permission o f the International Association o f Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.11H/j.l600-9657.2012.01146.x

Available at [Link]
342

ENDORSEMENTS

A M E R I C A N A C A D E M Y OF PEDIATRI C D ENTIS TR Y

Table I. Treatment guidelines for fractures of teeth and alveolar bone

Clinical findings

Radiographic
findings

Treatment

Follow-up
procedures
for fractures
of teeth and
alveolar bone

Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes include

some, but not necessarily all, of the following
Favorable
Outcome

Unfavorable
Outcome

Enamel fracture
Fracture
involves
enamel

No
radiographic
abnormalities

Fracture
involves
enamel
and dentin;
the pulp is
not
exposed

No
radiographic
abnormalities.
The relation
between the
fracture and
the pulp
chamber will
be disclosed

If possible,
seal completely
the involved
dentin with glass
ionomer to
prevent
microleakage.
In case of
large lost
tooth structure,
the tooth can
be restored
with composite

3-4
weeks C

The stage of
root
development
can be
determined
from
one exposure

If possible,
preserve pulp
vitality by
partial
pulpotomy.
Calcium
hydroxide is a
suitable material
for such
procedures.
A well-condensed
layer of pure
calcium
hydroxide
paste can be
applied
over the pulp,
covered with a
lining such as
reinforced glass
ionomer. Restore
the tooth with
composite
The treatment
is depending
on the childs
maturity and
ability to
cope. Extraction
is usually
the alternative
option

1 week C
6-8 weeks
C+R
1 year C+R

Smooth
sharp
edges

Enamel dentin fracture

iosed pulp
Fracture
involves
enamel
and dentin.
and the
pulp is
exposed

Continuing root
development in
immature teeth
and a hard
tissue barrier

Signs of apical
periodontitis;
no continuing
root
development
in immature
teeth
Extraction or
root canal
treatment

Crown-root fracture

Copyright 2012, International Association of Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted with permission of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1111/j.l600-9657.20l2.01146.x
Available at [Link]
ENDORSEMENTS

343

REFERENCE MANUAL

V 37 ( NO 6

15 i 16

Table 1. Continued

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Clinical findings

Radiographic
findings

Fracture
involves enamel,
dentin, and
root structure;
the pulp may
or may not
be exposed
Additional
findings may
include loose,
but still
attached,
fragments of
the tooth
There is
minimal to
moderate
tooth
displacement

Follow-up
procedures
for fractures
of teeth and
alveolar bone

Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes include

some, but not necessarily all, of the following
Favorable
Outcome

Unfavorable
Outcome

In cases of
fragment,
removal only:
1 week C
6 -8 weeks
C+R
1 year C (*)

Asymptomatic;
continuing
root
development in
immature teeth

Symptomatic;
signs of apical
periodontitis;
no continuing
root development
in immature
teeth

The fracture is If the coronal

usually located
fragment is not
mid-root or in
displaced, no
the apical third
treatment is
required
If the coronal
fragment is
displaced,
repositioning and
splinting might be
considered
Otherwise extract
only that fragment.
The apical fragment
should be left to be
resorbed

No
displacement:
1 week C,
6 -8 weeks
C,
1 year C+R
and C(*)
each
subsequent
year until
exfoliation
Extraction
1 year C+R
and C(*)
each
subsequent
year until
exfoliation

Signs of repair
between fractured
segments
Continuous
resorption of the left
apical fragment

The horizontal

fracture line to
the apices of the
primary teeth

and their
permanent

successors will
be disclosed
A lateral

radiograph may
also give
information about
the relation
between the two
dentitions and if
the segment is
displaced in
labial direction

1 week C
3 -4 weeks S+C
+R
6 -8 weeks C
+R
1 year C+R
and C (*) each
subsequent year
until exfoliation

In laterally
positioned
fractures, the
extent in
relation to
the gingival
margin can be
seen
One exposure
is necessary
to disclose
multiple
fragments

Treatment
Depending on
the clinical
findings, two
treatment
scenarios may
be considered:
Fragment
removal
only if the
fracture
involves only
a small part
of the root
and the stable
fragment is
large enough
to allow
coronal
restoration
Extraction in
all other
instances

Root fracture
The coronal
fragment may
be mobile
and may be
displaced

Alveolar fracture

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The fracture
involves the
alveolar bone
and may extend
to adjacent bone
Segment
mobility and
dislocation are
common
findings
Occlusal
interference
is often
noted

Reposition any
displaced segment
and then splint
General anesthesia
is often indicated
Stabilize the
segment for
4 weeks
Monitor
teeth in
fracture line

Normal
occlusion
No signs
of apical
periodontitis
No signs of
disturbances in the
permanent
successors

Signs of apical
periodontitis or
external
inflammatory root
resorption of
primary teeth
Signs of
disturbances in the
permanent
successors require
follow up until full
eruption

C, Clinical examination; R, Radiographic examination; S, Splint removal; (C*), Clinical and radiographic monitoring until eruption of the permanent successor.

Copyright 2012, International Association of Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted with permission of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (1ADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01146.x
Available at [Link]
344

ENDORSEMENTS

A M E R IC A N A C A D E M Y OF PED IA TR IC D EN TIS TR Y

Table 2. Treatment guidelines for luxation injuries

Clinical findings

Radiographic
findings

Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes

include some, but not necessarily all,
of the following
Favorable
Unfavorable
Outcome
Outcome

Treatments

Follow up

No radiographic
abnormalities.
Normal periodontal
space

No treatment is
needed. Observation

1 week C
6 -8 weeks C

Continuing root
development in
Immature teeth

No continuing
root
development in
immature teeth
Dark
discoloration of
crown. No
treatment is
needed unless
apical
periodontitis
develops

The tooth has

increased
mobility but
has not been
displaced
Bleeding from
gingival
crevice may be
noted

Radiographic
abnormalities are
usually not found
Normal periodontal
space
An occlusal
exposure is
recommended to
screen for possible
signs of
displacement or the
presence of a root
fracture. The
radiograph can
furthermore be
used as a reference
point in case of
future complications

No treatment is
needed. Observation.
Brushing with a soft
brush and use of
alcohol-free 0.12%
chlorhexidine
topically on the
affected area with
cotton swabs twice a
day for 1 week

1 week C
6-8 weeks C
Crown
discoloration
might occur. No
treatment is
needed unless a
fistula develops
Dark discolored
teeth should be
followed
carefully to
detect sign of
infection as
soon as
possible

Continuing root
development in
immature teeth
Transient red/
gray
discoloration
A yellow
discoloration
indicates pulp
obliteration and
has a good
prognosis

No continuing
root
development in
immature teeth
Dark
discoloration of
crown
No treatment is
needed unless
apical
periodontitis
develops

Partial
displacement
of the tooth
out of its
socket
The tooth
appears
elongated and
can be
excessively
mobile

Increased
periodontal
ligament space
apically

Treatment decisions
are based on the
degree of
displacement,
mobility, root
formation, and the
ability of the child to
cope with the
emergency situation
For minor extrusion
(<3 mm) in an
immature developing
tooth, careful
repositioning or
leaving the tooth for
spontaneous
alignment can be
treatment options
Extraction is the
treatment of choice
for severe extrusion
in a fully formed
primary tooth

1 week C
6-8 weeks C
+R
6 months C+R
1 year C+R
Discoloration
might occur
Dark discolored
teeth should be
followed
carefully to
detect sign of
infection as
soon as
possible

Continuing root
development in
immature teeth
Transient red/
gray
discoloration
A yellow
discoloration
indicates pulp
obliteration and
has a
good prognosis

No continuing
root
development in
immature teeth
Dark
discoloration of
crown
No treatment is
needed unless
apical
periodontitis
develops

Concussion
The tooth is
tender to
touch. It has
normal
mobility and
no sulcular
bleeding

Subluxation

Extrusive luxation

Copyright 2012, International Association of Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted with permission of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1111jj.1600-9657.2012.01l46.x
Available at [Link]
E N D O R S E M E N TS

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REFERENCE MANUAL

V 37 / NO 6

15/16

Table 2. Continued

Clinical findings

Radiographic
findings

Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes

Include some, but not necessarily all,
of the following
Favorable
Unfavorable
Outcome
Outcome

Treatments

Follow up

1 week C
2 -3 weeks C
6 -8 weeks C
+R
1 year C+R

Asymptomatic
Clinical and
radiographic
signs of normal
or healed
periodontium
Transient
discoloration
might occur

Tooth in place
or erupting
No or
transient
discoloration

Tooth locked
in place
Persistent
discoloration
Radiographic
signs of apical
periodontitis
Damage to the
permanent
successor

Lateral luxation
The tooth is
displaced.
usually in a
palatal/lingual,
or labial
direction
It will be
immobile

Increased
periodontal ligament
space apically is
best seen on the
occlusal exposure.
And an occlusal
exposure can
sometimes also
show the position
of the displaced
tooth and its
relation to the
permanent
successor

If there is no
occlusal interference,
as is often the case
in anterior open bite,
the tooth is allowed
to reposition
spontaneously
In case of minor
occlusal interference,
slight grinding is
indicated
When there is more
severe occlusal
interference, the tooth
can be gently
repositioned by
combined labial and
palatal pressure after
the use of local
anesthesia
In severe
displacement, when
the crown is
dislocated in a labial
direction, extraction is
the treatment of
choice

The tooth is
usually
displaced
through the
labial bone
plate,
or can be
impinging upon
the
succedaneous
tooth bud

When the apex is

displaced toward or
through the labial
bone plate, the
apical tip can be
visualized and the
tooth appears
shorter than its
contra lateral
When the apex is
displaced toward
the permanent tooth
germ, the apical tip
cannot be visualized
and the tooth
appears elongated

If the apex is displaced

toward or through the
labial bone plate, the
tooth is left for
spontaneous
repositioning
If the apex is
displaced into the
developing tooth
germ, extract

1 week C
3 -4 weeks
C+ R
6 -8 weeks C
6 months C+R
1 year C+R
and (C*)

The tooth is
completely out of
the socket

A radiographic
examination is
essential to ensure
that the missing
tooth is not
intruded

It is not
recommended
to replant
avulsed primary
teeth

1 week C
6 months
C+ R
1 year C + R
and (C*)

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No continuing
root
development in
immature teeth
Dark
discoloration of
crown
No treatment is
needed unless
apical
periodontitis
develops

Damage to the
permanent
successor

C, Clinical examination; R, Radiographic examination; (C*), Clinical and radiographic monitoring until eruption of the permanent successor.

Copyright 2012, International Association of Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted with permission of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1l1l/j.l600-9657.20l2.01l46.x
Available at [Link]
346

ENDORSEMENTS

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

C lin ic a l e x a m in a tio n

Information about the examination of traumatic inju

ries in the primary dentition can be found in a number
of current textbooks (4, 39). The possibility of child
abuse should be considered when assessing children
under the age of 5 years who present with intra-oral
trauma affecting the lips, gums, tongue, palate, and
severe tooth injuries (40^46).

dark discoloration may remain asymptomatic clini

cally and radiographically or they may develop api
cal periodontitis (52, 53). There is an association
between crown discoloration and pulp necrosis in
traumatized primary teeth (48, 54). Unless associated
infection exists, root canal treatment is not indicated
(55).
Pulp canal obliteration

R a d io g ra p h ic e x a m in a tio n

A detailed radiographic examination is essential to

establish the extent of the injury to the supporting tis
sues, the stage of root development, and the relation to
the permanent successors. Depending on the childs
ability to cope with the procedure and the type of
injury suspected, the clinician should decide which
radiograph is required for confirming diagnosis.
Always consider minimizing the risk of radiation to the
child. Several angles are recommended. Select the
appropriate radiographic examination:
1 90 horizontal angle with central beam through the
tooth in question (size 2 film, horizontal view)
2 Occlusal view (size 2 film, horizontal view)
3 Extra-oral lateral view of the tooth in question may
reveal the relationship between the apex of the dis
placed tooth and the permanent tooth germ as well
as the direction of dislocation (size 2 film, vertical
view), but is seldom indicated as it rarely adds extra
information.
Splinting

Splinting is used only for alveolar bone fractures and

possibly for intra-alveolar root fractures.
Use of antibiotics

There is no evidence for the use of systemic antibiotics

in the management of luxation injuries in the primary
dentition. Antibiotic use remains at the discretion of
the clinician as TDIs are often accompanied by soft tis
sue and other associated injuries that may require sig
nificant surgical intervention. In addition, the child's
medical status may warrant antibiotic coverage. When
ever possible, contact the pediatrician who may give
recommendations for a specific medical condition.
Sensibility and percussion tests

Sensibility and percussion tests are not reliable in

primary teeth because of the inconsistent results.
Crown discoloration

Although these Guidelines recommendations focus

on the management of acute dental injuries, crown
discoloration may be considered as it is a frequently
asked question by the parents or carers, mainly
for esthetic reasons. Discoloration is a common com
plication after luxation injuries (47-50). Such discol
oration may fade, and the tooth may regain its
original shade (8, 47, 50, 51). Teeth with persisting

Pulp canal obliteration is common sequela to luxation

injuries. It has been found to occur in 35-50% (48, 50,
53) and indicates ongoing pulp vitality (48, 56).
A yellowish hue can be noted.
Parents instructions

Good healing following an injury to the teeth and oral

tissues depends, in part, on good oral hygiene. To opti
mize healing, parents and carers should be advised
regarding care of the injured tooth/teeth and the pre
vention of further injury by supervising potentially
hazardous activities. Brushing with a soft brush and
use of alcohol-free 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate topi
cally on the affected area with cotton swabs twice a
day for 1 week are recommended to prevent accumula
tion of plaque and debris. A soft diet for 10 days and
restriction in the use of an intra-oral pacifier are also
recommended.
Parents or carers should be further advised about
possible complications that may occur, like swelling,
increased mobility, or sinus tracts. Children may not
complain about pain; however, infection may be pres
ent, and parents or carers should watch for signs such
as swelling of the gums; if present they should bring
the children in for treatment.
Documentation that the parents and carers have
been informed about possible complications in the
development of the permanent teeth, especially follow
ing intrusion, avulsion, and alveolar fracture injuries, is
very important.
Acknowledgments

IADT is grateful to the team of Dental Trauma guide

[Link] for kindly providing
pictures to the article.
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Copyright 2012, International Association o f Dental Traumatology, [Link].

Reprinted w ith permission o f the International Association o f Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dental Traumatology 2012;28:174-182; doi: 10.1111jj.1600-9657.2012.01146.x

Available at [Link]
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