CHAPTER 4

Question 1

Define Traumatic Dental Injuries.

Answer 1

Refers to injuries of the tooth, periodontium (including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, &. alveolar bone), and the soft tissues (such as the lips & tongue) as a result of traumatic incident.

Question 2

ETIOLOGY OF TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES

Answer 2

1. falls (most common cause for traumatic dental injuries of the primary dentition)
2. collision
3. sports injuries or contact sports
4. violence (includes fights or physical altercations, combat injuries, domestic or child abuse,
   and assault)
5. road traffic accidents (e.g., vehicular, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents)
6. environmental factors such as natural disasters (recently added)

Question 3

MECHANISMS OF TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES

Answer 3

1) DIRECT TRAUMA
- occurs when the tooth itself is struck against an object (such as a steering wheel or a dashboard of a vehicle, pavement, equipment, table, chair, etc.) and usually results to injuries of the anterior region (incisor to canine area

2) INDIRECT TRAUMA
- occurs when the mandible is forcefully closed against the maxilla (such as a blow to the chin in a fight or fall) and usually results to crown or crown-root fractures of the posterior region (premolar to molar area) with the possibility of jaw fractures in the condylar & symphysis regions