Fractures of Primary Teeth
There are three basic types of tooth fractures that clinicians need to be aware of. Urgency of care depends on the type of fracture present.
Simple Crown Fracture
- Involves only enamel and dentin
- Routine dental referral for smoothing or restoration
Crown Fracture with Pulp Involvement
- Involves enamel, dentin, and pulp
- May extend below the gumline
- Urgent-one day referral for pulp treatment or extraction
Root Fracture
- Often not detectable clinically unless mobile
- Routine referral for diagnosis and extraction of mobile fragment
Joanna Douglass, BDS, DDS
References
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Management of Acute Dental Trauma. Pediatric Dentistry 2009;31(6):187-195.