Methods: The study population consisted of all patients applying to the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics with a primary tooth injury. During the 18 months period, 43 patients presented with trauma to 82 primary teeth. Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted for each patient. Age, sex, time of injury, cause of injury and number of teeth affected were recorded, and the type of trauma was identified according to Andreasen's classification.
Results: Trauma occurred most commonly in the ages 2 and 4. The most affected teeth were primary maxillary central incisors. The most common type of injury was lateral luxation (29.26%). The most common cause of injury was falling (76.74%). Most injuries (25.58%) presented during the month of May. Nearly one-third of patients (13/43; 30.23%) presented after more than 6 months following injury.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that parents tend not to apply to a dental clinic for children's injuries –especially for the primary teeth- in the absence of acute symptoms. The importance of informing public about primary tooth injuries and their consequences is clear.