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Contemporary issues in the management of dental trauma

British Dental Journal volume 235, pages 946–956 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

Contemporary diagnosis and management of traumatic dental injuries requires a multifaceted understanding of the pathological and psychological impact over a patient's lifetime. The legacy of dental trauma injuries can have repercussions for the dentition and supporting tissues, requiring complicated multidisciplinary clinical input. Foresight is required to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. Mitigating risks and maximising benefits in patients presenting with polytrauma can be challenging, but if optimally managed at the acute presentation, the long-term burden to the patient and the clinician is reduced. This paper aims to discuss the contemporary clinical dilemmas, challenges and controversies related to the management of dental trauma.

Key points

  • Raises awareness of the chronic challenges that dental trauma presents to the profession.

  • Details specific areas where early treatment can mitigate complications.

  • Highlights the need for multidisciplinary care in severe and complicated presentations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. King´s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

    Aws Alani

  2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

    Nitesh Tewari

  3. Glasgow Dental Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom

    Gareth Calvert

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  1. Aws Alani
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  2. Nitesh Tewari
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  3. Gareth Calvert
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Aws Alani, Nitesh Tewari and Gareth Calvert all conceived and produced this article.

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Correspondence to Aws Alani.

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Alani, A., Tewari, N. & Calvert, G. Contemporary issues in the management of dental trauma. Br Dent J 235, 946–956 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6564-4

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