Report of a Case of Tooth Avulsion into Oral Soft Tissue of the Year 1970 Indirectly Demonstrating the Progress of Dental Traumatology During the Last 45 Years

Abstract

The present report dates back to the year 1970. It documents a case of avulsion of a permanent left upper lateral incisor and a left upper second premolar in a 46-year-old male who was the victim of interpersonal gang violence. Avulsion of teeth into oral soft tissue is an uncommon dental trauma. The present case reveals that the patient had no knowledge of possible treatment options since he did not seek for medical or dental consultation. He developed an abscess of the cheek 8 weeks after the attack. In contrast to the year 1970 the general public 45 years later is much more aware of medical and dental treatment possibilities even that of dental trauma. Diagnostic improvements in maxillo—facial radiography using panoramic radiography, cone beam CT and CT allow for more precise analysis of local dento-alveolar trauma and location of displaced teeth. Also intensive research based on large series of cases of dental trauma evidence-based recommendations are now available for treatment of the different variations of dental trauma. Outcome of replantation of avulsed teeth have resulted in more reliable prognosis of dental trauma. Abscess formation of an avulsed tooth into oral soft tissues seems rather unlikely these days.