J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2020 Dec;46(6):422-427. 10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.6.422.

Missing teeth after maxillofacial trauma:a case report and management protocol

• N. RP
• H. MC
• Singh R
• George A
• G. V

• KMID: 2510017
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.6.422

Abstract

Management of maxillofacial trauma includes primary care, in which diagnosis and management of dentoalveolar injury play a vital role. Due to the impact sustained during a maxillofacial injury (whether direct or indirect), dentoalveolar injuries can occur, leading to fracture and displacement of teeth and associated alveolar bone into the surrounding soft tissues and associated structures, such as the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, upper respiratory tract, tracheobronchial tree, or gastrointestinal tract. Undiagnosed displaced teeth may cause complications such as airway obstruction. This paper reports a case of displaced teeth in the nasal cavity and gastrointestinal tract and highlights the management protocol for displaced teeth secondary to maxillofacial trauma.

Keyword

Maxillofacial injuries; Tooth injuries; Tooth avulsion

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative photographs of the patient. A. Frontal view. B. Dentoalveolar fracture with respect to maxillary anterior segments.

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  Fig. 2 Computed tomography of the head. A. Axial view: Note the arrows indicating teeth in the nasal cavity and in the soft tissue near the left maxillary sinus. B. Coronal view: Note the arrows showing teeth in the floor of the nasal cavity.

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  Fig. 3 Radiographs of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs. A. Lateral neck radiograph. B. Anteroposterior chest radiograph.

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  Fig. 4 Nasal endoscopic view. A. The left naris revealed perforation, but no teeth were located. B. The right naris showed no teeth.

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  Fig. 5 Radiograph of the gastrointestinal tract. A. Erect abdominal radiograph: Note the arrow showing the hyperdense structure, i.e., a tooth, in the bowel. B. Erect abdominal radiograph: Follow-up radiograph after 7 days of laxative use.

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  Fig. 6 Protocol for management of displaced missing teeth after maxillofacial trauma. (CT: computed tomography, PNS: paranasal sinus view)

Reference

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