The clinician faced with the management of an insult to the masticatory system involving the dentition, its alveolar housing and the investing tissues often faces a formidable task. The restitution of traumatic derangement of oral-facial structures mandates a systematic approach to hard and soft tissue management with particular reference to the unique biological characteristics of this environment. A decidedly improved prognosis may be offered to the patient when basic principles are followed and the indicators for successful long term stabilization are realized. Awareness of these practical principles renders the dentist in general practice able to provide primary or referral care.