Trauma to the Soft Tissues of the Periodontium: A Review

Abstract

This review dealt only with trauma that can result from thermal, chemical or mechanical assault to the soft tissues of the periodontium, namely the gingiva and the periodontal ligaments. These forms of trauma may be accidental, iatrogenic or self-inflicted (factitious). When trauma is accidental and iatrogenic, the nature of the damage to the tissues is usually acute and self-limiting. However, it is more chronic when trauma is self-inflicted. This review is important to highlight potential non-plaque related sources of damage to the tooth supporting structures which may be unintended, unplanned or self-inflicted but nonetheless, of grave consequences