Dental and Maxillofacial Trauma During Civil Suppression: A Clinical Perspective

ABSTRACT: Dental and maxillofacial injuries represent an important but underrecognised component of trauma during episodes of violent crowd control. Blunt and projectile forces directed toward the head frequently result in tooth fractures, luxation and avulsion injuries, alveolar fractures, facial soft tissue trauma and temporomandibular joint involvement. Management is often complicated by delayed presentation, restricted access to care, overwhelmed facilities and communication blackouts. Using recent events in Iran as a contemporary clinical example, this commentary outlines injury mechanisms, clinical challenges in disrupted environments and practical considerations for dentists providing care under constrained conditions. Improved awareness and preparedness within the dental profession may help to reduce long-term functional and psychosocial morbidity in comparable settings worldwide.