Iatrogenic trauma to oral tissues.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic trauma can be defined as any trauma that has been induced by the dentist's activity, manner, or therapy. The aim of this article is to present traumatic oral tissue lesions of iatrogenic origin.

METHODS: Thirteen cases of chemical (due to ferric sulfate and formocresol), physical (due to orthodontic wires and appliances), and thermal (due to electrosurgery) injuries to the oral tissues are reported.

RESULTS: Chemical, physical, and thermal injuries in the oral, gingival, or palatinal mucosa of iatrogenic origin can exhibit various clinical features. The management of traumatic injuries is dependent on the severity of the involvement in the periodontal tissues. While, in most cases, the elimination of the offending agent and symptomatic therapy were sufficient, in severe cases, or when the injury resulted in permanent defects, periodontal surgery and regenerative therapy may be necessary.

CONCLUSIONS: The skill, experience, and up-to-date knowledge of dentists are the main factors to prevent possible iatrogenic traumas. Although "To err is human," careful practice is very important for the principle "Primum non nocere" ("First do no harm").