Dental Emergency The Intrusion
Not a home invader; but a form of a dental emergency the intrusion is a form of dental trauma. This type of dental trauma can be sustained for a blow or knock on a tooth. When this form of trauma happens the tooth becomes displaced. The name intrusion is used to describe the direction of the trauma. Ie the true definition is displacement of the tooth into the tooth socket (alveolar bone), this form of dental trauma is also accompanied by fracture of the surrounding alveolar socket.
Treatment for a Dental Intrusion
There are few treatment options for an injury in the form of a dental intrusion. These options are based on the severity of the injury and the age and development of the tooth.
- Spontaneous Eruption – Is allowing the tooth to naturally re-erupt into its position. This type of treatment option is really only recommended for young teeth with incomplete development and further when the form of intrusion is not very severe.
- Orthodontic Repositioning
Dental Emergency The Intrusion
– This type of treatment option again is depending on the location, age and development of the tooth.
- Surgical Repositioning – This type of treatment is general the main option if in the emergency stages.
Root Canal therapy is generally advised within 3-4 weeks of the trauma occurring to limit the risk of an infection-related root resorption.
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.