J Trauma
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The emergency treatment of dental trauma has traditionally been handled in the emergency rooms of medical centers, or in the dental office. With increasing emphasis on comprehensive medical care, and the tendency of more recent graduates to locate in rural areas, there is a growing trend for physicians to be involved in providing emergency care for traumatic injuries to the dental and oral tissues. ⋯ A classification of eight levels of dental injuries (5), techniques for the emergency, and subsequent restorative care are given. Emphasis is placed upon immediate care which can, if necessary, be provided by the physician pending referral to a dentist.