BACKGROUND: Dental alveolar trauma in pediatric patients is a challenge to health care professionals. It can lead to early tooth loss that can compromise oral function, aesthetics, and self-esteem and alter the long-term plan of care for the pediatric patient. METHODS: The authors reviewed the literature pertaining to pediatric dental and alveolar traumas. The current etiology, incidence, classifications of injury, and methods to diagnose and treat these patients were reviewed and outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Management of dental trauma is complex and requires a comprehensive and accurate diagnostic and treatment plan. It is also important to consider the biologic, functional, aesthetic, and economic aspects, as well as the patient's desire. Physicians who provide primary care for children have a unique position to provide diagnostic, triage, educational, and preventive dental care for patients. Several articles have been published regarding primary pediatricians' participation in the preventive dental health care of their patients. One publication, a survey of physicians in Alabama focusing on physicians' overall awareness of dental issues, concluded that most physicians believe they have a role in the oral health of their patients. Most were not aware of many of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recommendations.
BACKGROUND: Dental alveolar trauma in pediatric patients is a challenge to health care professionals. It can lead to early tooth loss that can compromise oral function, aesthetics, and self-esteem and alter the long-term plan of care for the pediatric patient. METHODS: The authors reviewed the literature pertaining to pediatric dental and alveolar traumas. The current etiology, incidence, classifications of injury, and methods to diagnose and treat these patients were reviewed and outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Management of dental trauma is complex and requires a comprehensive and accurate diagnostic and treatment plan. It is also important to consider the biologic, functional, aesthetic, and economic aspects, as well as the patient's desire. Physicians who provide primary care for children have a unique position to provide diagnostic, triage, educational, and preventive dental care for patients. Several articles have been published regarding primary pediatricians' participation in the preventive dental health care of their patients. One publication, a survey of physicians in Alabama focusing on physicians' overall awareness of dental issues, concluded that most physicians believe they have a role in the oral health of their patients. Most were not aware of many of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recommendations.