Trauma pathway

Patient with trauma

This pathway applies to patients who have suffered trauma to the mouth or who otherwise have teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken. Patients who present with injury caused by trauma need to be assessed for the possibility of more serious injury or complications first. Where more than one tooth has been affected by trauma (e.g. a tooth has moved and another tooth is fractured), the most urgent endpoint should be followed.

In all cases of trauma, health care providers need to have a high level of suspicion for non-accidental injury (NAI). There is a need to differentiate between NAI and accidental injury, taking into account the behaviour of the patient and of the accompanying person. Consider appropriate local referral if NAI is suspected.

Flowchart endpoints

The numbers shown in the circles at the top right hand corner of the endpoint boxes in this flowchart indicate the conditions that share the presenting symptoms that lead to this endpoint. Information on these conditions can be accessed by following the relevant link:

Endpoint 8 - trauma

Endpoint 9 - fractures