Craniofacial trauma caused by a firearm in a child: A clinical case report

Abstract

Children are more vulnerable to firearm-related injuries than adults due to their still-developing bone and muscle growth. After stabilizing severe post-trauma injuries, multidisciplinary follow-up, including dental care, is crucial for treating the sequelae. This study aims to report the clinical case of a child who was a victim of an accidental firearm discharge, emphasizing the necessary diagnosis and treatment to address the resulting dentoalveolar problems, in order to improve the child's quality of life. The patient is a 13-year-old who suffered a firearm accident at the age of 8 while playing with her cousin at home. While handling a shotgun, it accidentally discharged towards her face, hitting the eye, mouth, and nose regions. The treatment approached was multidisciplinary, focusing on the child's temporary oral rehabilitation with a functional space maintainer to allow craniofacial growth for future definitive rehabilitation. Low-power laser therapy was also performed for the treatment of facial paresthesia. The role of the pediatric dentist/oral surgeon in caring for the traumatized child patient is crucial in preventing damage, restoring stomatognathic functions, and enhancing the child’s self-esteem and social well-being, as well as that of their family.