The Primary Tooth Trauma Notes Template
A primary tooth dental trauma notes template captures the IADT-compliant paediatric trauma assessment — injury history with safeguarding consideration (is the explanation consistent?), MHx including bleeding disorders, focused examination, radiographs if clinically indicated only, IADT 2020 primary dentition classification, management decision (often extract if at risk to permanent successor), parental consent for any extraction, and follow-up for permanent successor monitoring — meeting IADT Guidelines 2020 Part 3 (Primary Dentition).
Primary tooth trauma carries safeguarding considerations the permanent tooth template doesn't — non-accidental injury must be actively considered at every paediatric trauma visit. Below is the template UK clinicians paste into their PMS for primary tooth trauma.
Download the free Primary Tooth Dental Trauma template — plain text, GDC/FGDP(UK)-aligned.
Why this primary tooth dental trauma template wins
- Safeguarding assessment at EVERY paediatric trauma visit — protects child + protects clinician from missing concerns.
- Accompanying adult + PR explicitly recorded — defends consent basis.
- IADT 2020 primary dentition guidance — different from permanent (DON'T REPLANT avulsions of primary teeth).
- Permanent successor risk assessment — drives the management decision (extract vs preserve).
- Long-term follow-up of permanent successor — captures delayed effects (Turner's tooth, enamel hypoplasia).
Compliance: the medico-legal angle
- IADT 2020 Part 3 — Primary Dentition (DOI:10.1111/edt.12576) — gold-standard reference.
- GDC Principle 1 — child's best interests + safeguarding.
- Children Act 1989 / Working Together 2018 — safeguarding obligations.
- BSPD guidance — paediatric trauma management.
- GDC Principle 4 — comprehensive trauma record including safeguarding consideration.
Common mistakes UK dentists make
- No safeguarding consideration documented — GDC + safeguarding policy breach.
- Replanting avulsed primary tooth — IADT explicit DO NOT REPLANT (risk to permanent successor).
- No permanent successor monitoring scheduled — delayed effects on permanent dentition missed.
- No accompanying adult / PR documented — consent basis undocumented.
- No radiograph for significant displacement — cannot assess permanent successor risk.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't we replant avulsed primary teeth?
IADT 2020 explicit: replantation of avulsed primary teeth is contraindicated. Risk to developing permanent successor (damage during replantation, infection spreading to successor) outweighs benefit (primary tooth will exfoliate in years anyway). Manage by reassurance, gentle hygiene, monitor for permanent successor effects.
When should I extract a luxated primary tooth?
IADT 2020: extract if luxation is significant AND permanent successor is at risk (root displaced toward successor on radiograph). Also extract if interferes with occlusion or causes severe mobility/discomfort. Conservative management acceptable for mild luxation away from successor.
Do I need a radiograph for every primary tooth trauma?
No — IADT primary guidance: radiograph indicated for significant displacement (assess successor risk), intrusion (CRITICAL to know if successor is impinged), suspected root fracture, persistent pain. For mild concussion / subluxation with no displacement: clinical assessment sufficient. Document the justification.
When should I suspect non-accidental injury?
Concerning features: injury inconsistent with developmental stage, inconsistent history, delay in seeking treatment, bruising in different stages of healing, other injuries (especially specific patterns like fingertip bruises), parental hostility / avoidance, child's account differs from parent's. ANY concern → follow local safeguarding pathway, contact LADO. Document the consideration explicitly.
What's Turner's tooth?
Hypoplasia of a permanent tooth due to trauma or infection of the primary predecessor — usually visible as enamel defect, discolouration, or shape abnormality when the permanent tooth erupts. Monitor permanent successor at every follow-up; manage with restoration when erupted if needed.
How long do I follow up primary tooth trauma?
Short-term: 1 week, 1 month, 6 months for primary tooth healing. Long-term: until permanent successor erupts (age 7-9 for incisors, 10-12 for canines/molars). Monitor successor for delayed eruption, abnormal shape, enamel changes.