Diagnosis of acute dental trauma: the importance of standardized documentation: a review

Abstract

-In 1985 Andreasen and Andreasen published a paper on the diagnosis of luxation injuries and outlined the importance of standardized clinical, radiographic, and photographic techniques. Now 30 years later, these recommendations remain current in the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines for the management of dental trauma and describe circumstances surrounding the time of injury, the extent of trauma (e.g., type of luxation injury), healing potential (e.g., stage of root development) as well as information concerning subsequent treatment. The purpose of this review was to include findings for other types of trauma and to discuss more recent studies that augment and/or improve on the original findings from 30 years ago. The present review discusses the use of a standardized clinical registration (pulpal sensibility testing, laser Doppler flowmetry, mobility testing), radiographic survey, and photographic registration of the traumatized patient. Moreover, the value of digital radiographs and recent developments in computer tomography with respect to possible enhancement of the trauma diagnosis are discussed.

Remote diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries using digital photographs captured via a mobile phone

“…The use of digital images for TDI diagnosis is also important for the registration, control, and treatment of patients, particularly in cases of insurance compensations, legal actions, and retrospective investigations …”

“…Currently, the use of photographic records has been recommended for the evaluation of TDIs and related treatment planning. Photographs may also be very useful in research and to furnish key pieces of evidence in legal proceedings . In studies that have aimed to validate TD tools, the use of digital photographs for the diagnosis of caries lesions and oral lesions was confirmed as a reliable alternative.…”

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of tooth root development

“…These disorders are usually associated with trauma that affects the HERS and neighboring neurovascular structures, which disturbs elongation of the root and dentin formation (Andreasen and Kahler, 2015). A similar phenotype is observed in patients exposed to radiation or chemotherapy (Pedersen et al, 2012).…”

Knowledge of orthodontic treatment approach of traumatized teeth by a group of Belgian general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists

“…This is despite the fact that “photographic” documentation of dental trauma cases is recommended and offers useful information on the extent of the injury. This is useful for treatment planning, follow up, insurance compensation, legal claims, or clinical research purposes …”