How do you treat an alveolar fracture?

Alveolar bone fractures are usually splinted using wiring techniques, such as arch bars, figure-eight and loop wiring, orthodontic bands, and acrylic or metallic cap splints. In case of luxation injuries, the outcome depends more on the duration of the splinting than on the type of splinting [21].

What does the alveolar ridge do?

The alveolar ridge is an extension of the maxilla (the upper part of the jaw) and the mandible (the lower part of the jaw) and is a bony ridge that holds the sockets of the teeth. The alveolar ridge is a critical anatomical structure for healthy teeth and successful dental implants.

How do you treat the fractured alveolar segment that contains one tooth?

Fixation is preferably accomplished with a resin splint attached to at least one neighboring intact tooth on each side of the vertical fracture lines. Soft-tissue repair should precede the splinting of the teeth.

How may dento alveolar fractures be managed?

It commonly presents as a displaced dentoalveolar segment, tooth mobility, occlusal disturbance, and hematoma into the adjacent oral mucosa. The management of a dentoalveolar fracture involves the reduction of the displaced dentoalveolar segment and its stabilization for 2‒4 weeks.

How often does an alveolar ridge fracture occur?

Alveolar ridge fractures occur in 5% to 9% of all dentoalveolar injuries.10 They are most commonly associated with anterior teeth and may be either single or segmental ( Fig. 53-5 ). Identification of subtle fractures may be possible with palpation of the gingiva, looking for any evidence of crepitus or step-offs.

What is a Class III alveolar process fracture?

Class III fracture of the alveolar process – The fracture involves dentulous segment with moderate to severe displacement Class IV fracture of the alveolar process – The alveolar process fracture shares one or more fracture lines with other fractures of the tooth-bearing facial skeleton

What can be done about an alveolar bone fracture?

Treatment of the alveolar bone fracture consists of repositioning the displaced segment. This repositioning can be done almost like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Once the segment finds its fit, the dental surgeon will stabilize it through some wiring techniques.

Is the alveolar ridge necessary for dental implants?

Adequate alveolar ridge bone height is necessary for patients to receive and benefit from dental implant placement. Regeneration of the alveolar ridge remains a clinical challenge.