Dental Emergency The Lateral Luxation
A Dental Emergency The Lateral Luxation is a form of dental trauma. This type of dental trauma can be sustained for a general knock on a tooth. When this form of trauma occurs the tooth becomes displaced. The name lateral luxation is used to describe the direction of the trauma. Ie the true definition is displacement of the tooth in a direction other than axially. Further, this displacement also goes hand in hand with a fracture of either the labial (front) or palatal (back) alveolar bone.
Dental Emergency The Lateral Luxation
Treatment for a Lateral Luxation
The main goal in an emergency situation is to reposition and splint the displaced tooth. This starts with some numbing gel, followed by local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once the area is numb the tooth can be repositioned, this is often very quick and a distinctive pop can be heard once the tooth has been placed back into its socket. The best case scenario is that the after the tooth is placed back in its original position the pulp and periodontal ligament begin to heal.
The tooth is generally stabilised for 4 weeks, this is done by using a flexible splint that is temporarily glued to the teeth. After the splint is removed, the healing process is thoroughly reviewed to determine the health of the tooth, and bone.
Important Patient Instructions
- A soft diet for one week is recommended
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for the health of the teeth and oral tissues. Further it is recommended to rinse with either a salty rinse or an antibacterial rinse (chlorhexidine) for twice daily for two weeks.
Dental Review
After two weeks an updated radiograph is taken, this will help follow up and evaluate healing. After four weeks the splint is removed. Then again at 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 5 yearly updated radiographs are taken. It may seem like many films, but with trauma there is a risk of root resorption long term and closely watching for any change is important to intercept any activity.
If you wish for more information on the dental trauma please do not hesitate to contact Skygate Dental today on (07) 3114 1199 or 0406 579 197.