Delayed removal of a primary incisor embedded in the upper lip after dental trauma: a case report about the importance of soft tissue examination

Complications Arising from Dental Trauma Incurred from Falls Involving Geriatric Patients: A Case Report

Elderly patients have a high incidence of falls that result in facial injuries. Many cases present with dental crown fractures and soft-tissue lacerations. The initial diagnosis is especially important in this type of dental trauma, since an initial error can result in the failure to establish the correct treatment from the very beginning, worsening the prognosis, which, in the worst case, can compromise the teeth affected by the trauma. Case report: We present the case of a patient, a 79-year-old woman, who suffered an accidental fall. The patient was examined by a dentist in the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a simple crown fracture of the right upper central incisor and right upper lateral incisor without any pulpal involvement and with laceration of the lower lip. Months later, she had an episode of inflammation in the lower lip, and she developed edema and pain. An X-ray of the lower lip revealed a radiopaque mass compatible with a fragment of dental tissue due to the inclusion of remnants of the dental tissue resulting from the previous accident fall. Conclusions: The population of geriatric patients is steadily increasing in our society, and a higher frequency of falls has been observed in this age group, affecting the maxillofacial region, with consequent dental trauma on many occasions. Therefore, as professionals, we must pay special attention to the prevention and treatment of this problem, insisting on the importance of routine investigation in the emergency visit for dental trauma, which includes a meticulous examination of the soft tissues accompanied by a radiographic examination, when the inclusion of foreign bodies is suspected.

Unique tooth dislocation into submental space during a pan facial trauma – Importance of an orthopantomogram

Background

There are certain reported cases of unusual displacements of teeth involved in a maxillofacial trauma to the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract or the airway, if worst. All these usually lead to complication the worst being death. So enquiring about them is a very essential part of surveying a maxillofacial trauma patient involving dentition.

Case

This patient was referred to our department for a dental consultation for his ill-defined firm, mildly tender, non-suppurative, submental swelling unresponsive to medication. He had undergone a polytrauma involving his face two months back. An orthopantomogram was ordered which showed a lower central incisor from the fracture site had slipped through the fracture gap into the submental space possibly missed by the CT scan. There was also a lower border splaying at the fracture site. A layer-wise dissection was done extra-orally to retrieve the tooth.

Conclusion

This case envisages the importance of an OPG as an adjuvant to the basic radiographic study, in the emergency room, for a patient with oral and maxillofacial trauma. It also establishes the importance of a meticulous secondary survey, including counting the number of teeth and establishing a correct occlusion to avoid a complication and re-operation. Besides, a medical negligence lawsuit can also arise as some teeth may slip to lungs even.

Tooth fragment embedded in the lower lip for 10 months following dentoalveolar trauma: A case report with literature review

Traumatic injuries to maxillary anterior teeth are a common finding in children because of falls while playing. Sequelae of trauma to dental hard tissue include broken, lost, aspirated and swallowed teeth. One additional hazard is the embedding of fractured tooth fragments in the soft tissues, particularly in the lip. A 10-year-old male patient complained of pain in the lower lip. There was a history of trauma to the upper anterior tooth 10 months previously. Clinical examination showed scarring and discoloration over the lower lip, and the presence of a hard mass was felt on palpation. Intraoral examination revealed an Ellis and Davey class II fracture of number 11. A radiograph of the lip was taken, which showed a radiopaque structure similar to the shape of the missing tooth fragment. Under local anesthesia, the tooth fragment was removed successfully, and the class II fracture was restored with composite. Therefore, proper clinical and complete radiographic examination of both hard and soft tissues following dental trauma is essential to rule out such occurrences.

Treatment imprudence leading to missed tooth fragment

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) represent one of the most common oral health problems in children and adolescents. Dental trauma requires a special consideration when it accompanies soft tissue lacerations. Tooth fragments occasionally penetrate into soft tissues and may cause severe complications. This article describes the case of a 12-year-old girl with a fractured tooth fragment embedded in the lower lip for 4 months, which went unnoticed at her primary health centre. This report highlights the importance of proper radiographic diagnosis along with clinical examination after trauma in order to prevent any future complications.