Alveolar fractures - Treatment Guidelines
Treatment
Manual repositioning or repositioning using forceps of the displaced segment.
General anesthesia is often indicated.Stabilize the segment with flexible splinting for 4 weeks. Monitor teeth in the
fracture line.
Patient instructions
Soft food for 10-14 days.
Good healing following an injury to the teeth and oral tissues depends, in part,
on good oral hygiene. Brush with a soft brush after every meal and apply
chlorhexidine 0.1 % topically to the affected area with cotton swabs twice a day
for one week. This is beneficial to prevent accumulation of plaque and debris.
Along with recommending a soft diet, restrict the use of a
pacifier.
Parents should be further advised about possible complications that
may occur, like swelling, increased mobility or fistula. Children may not
complain about pain; however, infection may be present and parents should watch
for signs of swelling of the gums and bring the child in for treatment.
Inform the parents about possible complications in the development of the permanent teeth.
Follow-up
Splint removal and clinical and radiographic control after 4 weeks.
Clinical control after 1 week. Clinical and radiographic control and splint
removal after 3-4 weeks. Clinical and radiographic control after 6-8 weeks and 1 year then yearly untill
exfoliationh.