From Volume 47, Issue 5, May 2020 | Pages 433-439
Mandibular fractures are a common presentation to emergency departments in hospital. Although the majority of mandibular fractures are treated in secondary care, General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) should have the basic knowledge to be able to support fracture patients in practice, whether that is in an emergency situation, managing associated sequelae, or through post-operative recovery.
Fractures of the mandible are a common presentation in secondary care, usually to Accident and Emergency departments in hospital, with the most common cause being trauma.1
For acute severe trauma, most patients may present at hospital. However, in mild to moderate injuries, especially when the trauma to the dentition or the soft tissues may be the only presenting signs/symptoms, the patient may present to the General Dental Practitioner (GDP) in primary care.
It is imperative that GDPs have the basic knowledge to be able to manage acute injuries involving the mandible. Important aspects of patient care include:
In addition, after patients have been discharged from secondary care, for example, after an invasive surgical procedure, it is the responsibility of the GDP to monitor and manage patients through the remainder of their care, referring patients back to specialist departments should the need arise. Dentists in primary care must have at least a basic understanding of orofacial trauma, as this may also reduce the demand on already over-subscribed services.
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