Classification and Examination

The purpose of classifying dental injuries is to provide a description of specific conditions, allowing dentists to recognise and treat using recommended treatment remedies.

Different classification have been discussed in details in the previous unit. The currently recommended classification is one based on the World Health Organization classification (1978) of diseases and modified by Andreasen and Andreasen (1994).

It is also the classification that will be followed in this unit.

Dentofacial Injuries can be categorised into the following categories:

• Soft tissues Lacerations

• Contusions

• Abrasions

• Tooth fractures

• Enamel fractures

• Crown fractures—uncomplicated (no pulp exposure)

• Crown fractures—complicated (with pulp exposure)

• Crown-root fractures

• Root fractures

• Luxation injuries

• Tooth concussion

• Subluxation

• Extrusive luxation

• Lateral luxation

• Intrusive luxation

• Avulsion

• Facial skeletal injuries

• Alveolar process—maxilla/mandible

• Body of maxillary/mandibular bone

• Temporomandibular joint