PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY - 3rd Ed. (2005)

(John Hannent) #1

664H


Fig. 12.4 A 3-year-old boy with bruises
and abrasions resulting from non-
accidental injury.

12.3 CLASSIFICATION


665HTable 12.1 summarizes the classification of dento-alveolar injuries based on the
World Health Organization (WHO) system.


12.4 HISTORY AND EXAMINATION


12.4.0 Introduction


A history of the injury followed by a thorough examination should be completed in
any situation.


12.4.1 Dental history



  1. When did injury occur? The time interval between injury and treatment
    significantly influences the prognosis of avulsions, luxations, crown fractures with or
    without pulpal exposures, and dento-alveolar fractures.

  2. Where did injury occur? May indicate the need for tetanus prophylaxis.

  3. How did injury occur? The nature of the accident can yield information on the type
    of injury expected. Discrepancy between history and clinical findings raises suspicion
    of physical abuse.

  4. Lost teeth/fragments? If a tooth or fractured piece cannot be accounted for when
    there has been a history of loss of consciousness then a chest radiograph should be

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