Case Report
BibTex RIS Cite

Tooth Fragment Embedded in the Upper Lip of an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 1, 183 - 187, 23.01.2026

Abstract

Dental and maxillofacial traumas are a significant public health problem with physical and psychological effects on the elderly population. In this age group, injuries affecting the maxillofacial region and resulting in dental trauma are caused by falls at a high rate.
The first diagnosis of traumas is critical for correct treatment planning. Therefore, in patients with a history of dental trauma, a thorough clinical and radiographic examination of soft and hard tissues will reduce complication risks. As healthcare professionals, we must insist on a thorough examination and treatment during trauma-related emergency department visits. In this case report, we present a 60-year-old woman who fell due to a balance issue and sustained an impacted tooth fragment in her upper lip for six months.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies are appropriately cited.

References

  • 1. World Health Organization. Active ageing: a policy framework [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002. [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/67215/WHO_NMH_NPH_02.8.pdf
  • 2. Possebon AP da R, Granke G, Faot F, Pinto L de R, Leite FRM, Torriani MA. Etiology, diagnosis, and demographic analysis of maxillofacial trauma in elderly persons: A 10-year investigation. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2017;45(12):1921-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcms.2017.09.002.
  • 3. Kannus P, Sievänen H, Palvanen M, Järvinen T, Parkkari J. Prevention of falls and consequent injuries in elderly people. Lancet. 2005;366(9500): 1885-93. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67604-0.
  • 4. Toivari M, Helenius M, Suominen AL, Lindqvist C, Thorén H. Etiology of facial fractures in elderly Finns during 2006-2007. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2014;118(5):539-45. doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2014.06.016.
  • 5. Arroyo Bote S, Bennasar Verges C, Ribas-Perez D, Rodriguez Menacho D, Villalva Hernandez-Franch P, Barbero Navarro I, et al. Complications arising from dental trauma incurred from falls involving geriatric patients: a case report. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023;13(19):3021. doi:10.3390/diagnostics13193021.
  • 6. Richards D. One billion people have experienced a traumatic dental injury. Evid Based Dent. 2018;19(2):34-5. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6401297.
  • 7. Tinetti ME. Preventing falls in elderly persons. New Engl J Med. 2003;348(1):42-9. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp020719.
  • 8. Kannus P, Niemi S, Parkkari J, Sievänen H. Rising incidence of fall-induced maxillofacial injuries among older adults. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2016;28(6):1127-31. doi:10.1007/s40520-015-0529-7.
  • 9. Burkhard JPM, Pitteloud C, Klukowska‐Rötzler J, Exadaktylos AK, Iizuka T, Schaller B. Changing trends in epidemiology and management of facial trauma in a Swiss geriatric population. Gerodontology. 2019;36(4):358-64. doi:10.1111/ger.12410.
  • 10. Gassner R, Tuli T, Hächl O, Rudisch A, Ulmer H. Cranio-maxillofacial trauma: a 10 year review of 9543 cases with 21067 injuries. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2003;31(1):51-61. doi:10.1016/s1010-5182(02)00168-3.
  • 11. Atisha DM, Burr T van R, Allori AC, Puscas L, Erdmann D, Marcus JR. Facial fractures in the aging population. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(2):587-93. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000475791.31361.9a.
  • 12. Müller M, Ricklin ME, Weiler S, Exadaktylos AK, Arampatzis S. Emergency medicine in the extreme geriatric era: A retrospective analysis of patients aged in their mid 90s and older in the emergency department. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2018;18(3):415-20. doi:10.1111/ggi.13192.
  • 13. Goedecke M, Thiem DGE, Schneider D, Frerich B, Kämmerer PW. Through the ages-Aetiological changes in maxillofacial trauma. Dent Traumatol. 2019;35(2):115-20. doi:10.1111/edt.12462.
  • 14. Andreasen FM, Kahler B. Diagnosis of acute dental trauma: the importance of standardized documentation: a review. Dent Traumatol. 2015;31(5):340-9. doi:10.1111/edt.12187.
  • 15. Çetin G. Yaralanmalar ile ilgili rapor düzenlenmesinde karşılaşılan sorunlar ve çözüm önerileri. Turkiye Klinikleri J Foren Med. 2012;9(2):58-65.
  • 16. Fonseca RJ, Walker RV. Oral and maxillofacial trauma. 2nd ed. vol. 1. Philadelphia: Saunders Co.; 1997.
  • 17. Altundasar E, Demiralp B. The importance of soft tissue examination in post‐traumatic decision‐making: a case report. Aust Endod J. 2013;39(1):35-8. doi:10.1111/j.1747-4477.2009.00216.x.
  • 18. Lauritano D, Petruzzi M, Sacco G, Campus G, Carinci F, Milillo L. Dental fragment embedded in the lower lip after facial trauma: brief review literature and report of a case. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012;9(Suppl 2):S237-41. doi:10.4103/1735-3327.109769.
  • 19. Nagaveni N, Umashankara K. Tooth fragment embedded in the lower lip for 10 months following dentoalveolar trauma: a case report with literature review. Burns Trauma. 2014;2(3):141-5. doi:10.4103/2321-3868.135652.
  • 20. da Silva Schwengber GF, Cardoso M, de Souza Vieira R. Bonding of fractured permanent central incisor crown following radiographic localization of the tooth fragment in the lower lip: a case report. Dent Traumatol. 2010;26(5):434-7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2010.00908.x.
  • 21. de Santana Santos T, Melo AR, Pinheiro RTA, Antunes AA, de Carvalho RWF, Dourado E. Tooth embedded in tongue following firearm trauma: report of two cases. Dent Traumatol. 2011;27(4):309-13. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2011.00994.x.
  • 22. Sharan A, Madjar D. Maxillary sinus pneumatization following extractions: a radiographic study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2008;23(1):48-56.
  • 23. Bojino A, Roccia F, Carlaw K, Aquilina P, Rae E, Laverick S, et al. A multicentric prospective analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population. Dent Traumatol. 2022;38(3):185-95. doi:10.1111/edt.12736.
  • 24. Cubukcu CE, Aydin U, Ozbek S, Kahveci R. Delayed removal of a primary incisor embedded in the upper lip after dental trauma: a case report about the importance of soft tissue examination. Dent Traumatol. 2011;27(4):314-7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2011.01000.x.

Yaşlı Bir Hastanın Üst Dudağına Gömülü Diş Parçası: Bir Olgu Sunumu

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 1, 183 - 187, 23.01.2026

Abstract

Dental ve maksillofasiyal travmalar yaşlı nüfusunda fiziksel ve psikolojik etkilere sahip önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Bu yaş grubunda; maksillofasiyal bölgeyi etkileyen ve dental travma ile sonuçlanan yaralanmalar, yüksek oranda düşme kaynaklıdır.
Travmalarda konulan ilk teşhis, doğru tedavi planlamasında kritik bir öneme sahiptir. Bu nedenle, dental travma hikayesi olan hastalarda klinik ve radyografik olarak yumuşak ve sert dokuların dikkatli bir şekilde incelenmesi, oluşacak komplikasyon risklerini de minimuma indirecektir. Sağlık profesyonelleri olan bizler, travma kaynaklı acil servis ziyaretlerinde ayrıntılı muayene ve tedavi konusunda ısrarcı olmalıyız. Bu vaka raporunda, denge problemi nedeniyle düşen ve altı ay boyunca üst dudağında gömülü diş parçası kalan 60 yaşında bir kadın hastayı sunmaktayız.

References

  • 1. World Health Organization. Active ageing: a policy framework [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002. [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/67215/WHO_NMH_NPH_02.8.pdf
  • 2. Possebon AP da R, Granke G, Faot F, Pinto L de R, Leite FRM, Torriani MA. Etiology, diagnosis, and demographic analysis of maxillofacial trauma in elderly persons: A 10-year investigation. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2017;45(12):1921-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcms.2017.09.002.
  • 3. Kannus P, Sievänen H, Palvanen M, Järvinen T, Parkkari J. Prevention of falls and consequent injuries in elderly people. Lancet. 2005;366(9500): 1885-93. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67604-0.
  • 4. Toivari M, Helenius M, Suominen AL, Lindqvist C, Thorén H. Etiology of facial fractures in elderly Finns during 2006-2007. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2014;118(5):539-45. doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2014.06.016.
  • 5. Arroyo Bote S, Bennasar Verges C, Ribas-Perez D, Rodriguez Menacho D, Villalva Hernandez-Franch P, Barbero Navarro I, et al. Complications arising from dental trauma incurred from falls involving geriatric patients: a case report. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023;13(19):3021. doi:10.3390/diagnostics13193021.
  • 6. Richards D. One billion people have experienced a traumatic dental injury. Evid Based Dent. 2018;19(2):34-5. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6401297.
  • 7. Tinetti ME. Preventing falls in elderly persons. New Engl J Med. 2003;348(1):42-9. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp020719.
  • 8. Kannus P, Niemi S, Parkkari J, Sievänen H. Rising incidence of fall-induced maxillofacial injuries among older adults. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2016;28(6):1127-31. doi:10.1007/s40520-015-0529-7.
  • 9. Burkhard JPM, Pitteloud C, Klukowska‐Rötzler J, Exadaktylos AK, Iizuka T, Schaller B. Changing trends in epidemiology and management of facial trauma in a Swiss geriatric population. Gerodontology. 2019;36(4):358-64. doi:10.1111/ger.12410.
  • 10. Gassner R, Tuli T, Hächl O, Rudisch A, Ulmer H. Cranio-maxillofacial trauma: a 10 year review of 9543 cases with 21067 injuries. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2003;31(1):51-61. doi:10.1016/s1010-5182(02)00168-3.
  • 11. Atisha DM, Burr T van R, Allori AC, Puscas L, Erdmann D, Marcus JR. Facial fractures in the aging population. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(2):587-93. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000475791.31361.9a.
  • 12. Müller M, Ricklin ME, Weiler S, Exadaktylos AK, Arampatzis S. Emergency medicine in the extreme geriatric era: A retrospective analysis of patients aged in their mid 90s and older in the emergency department. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2018;18(3):415-20. doi:10.1111/ggi.13192.
  • 13. Goedecke M, Thiem DGE, Schneider D, Frerich B, Kämmerer PW. Through the ages-Aetiological changes in maxillofacial trauma. Dent Traumatol. 2019;35(2):115-20. doi:10.1111/edt.12462.
  • 14. Andreasen FM, Kahler B. Diagnosis of acute dental trauma: the importance of standardized documentation: a review. Dent Traumatol. 2015;31(5):340-9. doi:10.1111/edt.12187.
  • 15. Çetin G. Yaralanmalar ile ilgili rapor düzenlenmesinde karşılaşılan sorunlar ve çözüm önerileri. Turkiye Klinikleri J Foren Med. 2012;9(2):58-65.
  • 16. Fonseca RJ, Walker RV. Oral and maxillofacial trauma. 2nd ed. vol. 1. Philadelphia: Saunders Co.; 1997.
  • 17. Altundasar E, Demiralp B. The importance of soft tissue examination in post‐traumatic decision‐making: a case report. Aust Endod J. 2013;39(1):35-8. doi:10.1111/j.1747-4477.2009.00216.x.
  • 18. Lauritano D, Petruzzi M, Sacco G, Campus G, Carinci F, Milillo L. Dental fragment embedded in the lower lip after facial trauma: brief review literature and report of a case. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012;9(Suppl 2):S237-41. doi:10.4103/1735-3327.109769.
  • 19. Nagaveni N, Umashankara K. Tooth fragment embedded in the lower lip for 10 months following dentoalveolar trauma: a case report with literature review. Burns Trauma. 2014;2(3):141-5. doi:10.4103/2321-3868.135652.
  • 20. da Silva Schwengber GF, Cardoso M, de Souza Vieira R. Bonding of fractured permanent central incisor crown following radiographic localization of the tooth fragment in the lower lip: a case report. Dent Traumatol. 2010;26(5):434-7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2010.00908.x.
  • 21. de Santana Santos T, Melo AR, Pinheiro RTA, Antunes AA, de Carvalho RWF, Dourado E. Tooth embedded in tongue following firearm trauma: report of two cases. Dent Traumatol. 2011;27(4):309-13. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2011.00994.x.
  • 22. Sharan A, Madjar D. Maxillary sinus pneumatization following extractions: a radiographic study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2008;23(1):48-56.
  • 23. Bojino A, Roccia F, Carlaw K, Aquilina P, Rae E, Laverick S, et al. A multicentric prospective analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population. Dent Traumatol. 2022;38(3):185-95. doi:10.1111/edt.12736.
  • 24. Cubukcu CE, Aydin U, Ozbek S, Kahveci R. Delayed removal of a primary incisor embedded in the upper lip after dental trauma: a case report about the importance of soft tissue examination. Dent Traumatol. 2011;27(4):314-7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2011.01000.x.
There are 24 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Dentistry (Other)
Journal Section Case Report
Authors

Dilber Çelik 0000-0002-4083-7556

Doğukan Bulut 0009-0009-0410-1638

Submission Date March 18, 2025
Acceptance Date October 16, 2025
Publication Date January 23, 2026
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 16 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver Çelik D, Bulut D. Tooth Fragment Embedded in the Upper Lip of an Elderly Patient: A Case Report. VHS. 2026;16(1):183-7.