Injuries To The Gingiva/Alveolus

GINGIVA

Let us first familiarise ourselves with various types of injuries, which affect the gingiva or oral mucosa.

a) Laceration

• These are shallow or deep wound in the mucosa, which results from a tear usually caused by a sharp object.

b) Contusion

• A bruise caused by a submucosal haemorrhage, from impact by a blunt object with no break in the mucosa.

c) Abrasion

• Caused by rubbing or scraping of the mucosa and is a superficial wound with raw, bleeding surface.

ALVEOLUS

a) Fracture of Alveolar Socket Wall

Fracture confined to the facial or lingual socket wall usually caused by luxation of the tooth within the socket. It is always associated with lateral luxation. It can also be found with other injuries - e.g., avulsion.

b) Fracture of the Alveolar Process

This injury involves fracture of the whole alveolar process, generally detected when there is mobility of multiple teeth as a single unit. It may or may not involve the tooth socket.