Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Trauma to oral soft tissues in comatose patients may be more widespread than reported as no extensive study of this problem has been conducted. These patients exhibited ruminant chewing and bruxism that often resulted in self-inflicted oral soft tissue trauma. The success of using various dental appliances was found to be associated with the neurologic status of these patients. Variables such as etiology, depth and duration of coma, and age of patient can influence the medical prognosis and hence the success of using these appliances. This article, presents a case report of a 3 year old comatose child treated with a dental device to prevent the patient from injuring his tongue. This appliance was a modified cap splint. The lesions of the patient had improved after using the appliance but unfortunately patient passed away due to cardiac arrest.
Key words: Comatose patients, cap splint, trauma.