Sequelae of dental trauma: forensic medical aspects

Dental trauma is a frequent condition which may occur alone or in combination with craniofacial trauma and/or other injuries. Many factors influence the gravity of the trauma and subsequent prognosis including age, anterior state, trauma etiology, treatment and follow up. In order to establish a prudent provisional or definitive expertise, the medical expert must have a panoramic view of the trauma. Time should be taken to consolidate facts and estimate prejudices on sound evidence. In certain cases outcome can be predicted. The medical expert should provide advice and counselling both for the patient and the mandating authority. In this article, iatrogenic dental accidents occurring during anesthesia or extraction will not be discussed.