During trauma the teeth may cause lacerations of the buccal mucosa. Rarely a tooth that has been displaced or fractured may become embedded in the soft tissue of the lip or cheek.
If the oral examination is cursory, then the presence of oral trauma or missing teeth may go unnoticed.
If the oral exam is a performed but incomplete, then a missing tooth may be documented but its location may be unknown.
When the presence of a tooth embedded in soft tissue may be detected:
(1) patient complaint
(2) thorough oral examination
(3) search for missing tooth
(4) dental X-rays
If the tooth is intact and if it is detected soon after the trauma, then an attempt to replant the tooth may be made.
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