Emergency department management of dental trauma: recommendations for improved outcomes in pediatric patients.

Abstract

Over 40% of children will experience dental trauma by the age of 4 years. Timely and effective care is important in the management of dental injuries, as several studies have shown poor outcomes with delayed treatment. The current evidence in the management of dental injuries is primarily from a dentist's perspective, with limited evidence specific to management in the emergency department. The goal of pediatric dental injury management is dictated largely by whether the dentition is primary or permanent. This issue provides a systematic emergency medicine-based approach to address pediatric dental injuries, along with a review of basic dental procedures that will lead to improved dental outcomes.