Evaluation of traumatic dental injuries in patients attending the pediatric dentistry clinic: a retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), as well as to evaluate different factors associated with TDIs among children and adolescents referred over three-year period to the Pamukkale University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Denizli. Materials and methods: Dental trauma records of patients were reviewed regarding demographic data, affected teeth, type and etiology of TDIs, location and season of TDIs, time elapsed following TDIs and initial treatment, and treatment of TDIs. Results: Data associated with 258 patients, 471 traumatized teeth (primary teeth:152, permanent teeth:319) were analyzed. Both the primary and permanent maxillary central incisors were the most common affected teeth by TDIs. Primary teeth showed a higher frequency of periodontal tissue injuries (75.00%) and lower frequency of dental hard tissue injuries (21.05%) compared with permanent teeth (49.84% and 58.62%, respectively). Falls were the main etiological factor of TDIs both in the primary (73.68%) and permanent (58.31%) teeth. Only 27 patients (5.49%) were referred to the clinic within one hour following TDIs. Conclusion: Early management of TDIs is important to improve the prognosis of traumatized teeth and prevent post-traumatic complications. The low rate of early referral indicates the need for educational and preventive programs regarding TDIs among the patients, parents/legal guardians, and teachers. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.