Radiographic Interpretation of Dental Traumatic Injuries - Small Animal

Interpretation of Traumatic Injuries

Dental radiographs are made to assess traumatic injuries to the teeth, alveolar bone, mandible, maxilla, and temporomandibular junction (TMJ). Depending on the injuries, skull radiographs and computed tomography scans may be recommended for complete evaluation of all injuries.

Traumatic injuries often lead to root fractures, loss of tooth crown, and retention of tooth root. Radiographs are made to identify persistent roots and any associated pathology. A crown fracture that exposes the pulp chamber will result in endodontic disease. When this occurs, the extent of pathology should be evaluated with a dental radiograph. Blunt trauma may result in damage to the pulp without fracturing the tooth. A dental radiograph should be made of any tooth that is discolored from pulp haemorrhage.

Root fractures with or without concurrent crown fractures occur secondary to trauma and affect the prognosis and treatment of the tooth.

Intra-oral radiographs of the mandible and maxilla are useful to determine the extent of jaw fractures and the involvement of tooth roots without superimposition of other structures. Intra-oral radiographs also allow proper treatment planning to avoid damage to tooth structures during the repair of jaw fractures.