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4.3 Injury Types
Avulsed Teeth
Cellulitis
Controversy exists about re-implanting primary avulsed teeth. Sometimes,
these teeth can be saved and kept for a long time, but the price
paid in time, effort, and discomfort is high, and there are no
good prognostic data on the success of attempts to save such teeth.
Treatment requires a long-term commitment and may damage the underlying
permanent tooth. The best decision may be to leave the tooth out
and to counsel the parents.
Cellulitis
In the event of a cellulitis from a dental abscess, management of
the child's overall health is as critical as management of
the tooth. Often the cellulitis is not painful but may prevent
the child from eating or drinking. The swelling may compromise
the airway and put respiration at risk. In cases when there is
concern about compliance related to keeping subsequent appointments
or medication use or when the cellulitis is worsening rapidly,
it may be best for the child to be hospitalized, treated with antibiotics,
and observed until dental treatment can be provided.
Warning! An untreated cellulitis can be life-threatening.
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