Concussion and Subluxation

Question 1

What clinical signs/symptoms of concussion might you see?

Answer 1

Haemorrhage and oedema within PDL, rendering tooth tender to percussion and mastication, however, as PDL fibers are intact, tooth is firm in its socket and there is no bleeding from gingival sulcus

Question 2

What radiographic signs/symptoms of concussion might you see?

Answer 2

No sign of pathology

Question 3

What clinical signs/symptoms of subluxation might you see?

Answer 3

Some PDL fibers will be ruptured and tooth loosened, but not displaced and there is often slight bleeding from gingival sulcus

Question 4

What radiographic signs/symptoms of subluxation might you see?

Question 5

What treatment is recommended?

Answer 5

Relief of occlusal interferences and ordination of a soft diet for approximately 2 weeks

Question 6

What follow-up schedule is required?

Answer 6

Due to slight risk of pulp necrosis, sensibility testing should be performed at time of injury and 1 and 2 months after trauma

Question 7

What complications may occur and which teeth are likely to be affected?

Answer 7

Due to an associated injury to blood vessels at root apex, pulp necrosis may occur especially in teeth with a narrow apical foramen