Traumatic Dental Injuries: Etiology, Treatment and Effectiveness of Preventive Strategies

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the most important etiological factors related to traumatic dental injuries, type of treatment required, period from injury to initial treatment and frequency of recall appointments. Methods: The sample consisted of 234 children who came with dental injuries to Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad during the last six years. Retrospective data relied on trauma protocols of this department. Collected data reffered to etiological factors, type of treatment, period from injury to treatment, recall appointments and complications. These results were compared with other similar national and international studies. Results: This study showed that males experienced more dental trauma in the permanent teeth than females ( 2.03: 1). There was no difference between the sexes in the primary dentition. Dental injury sustained most often between the age of 8 and 10. Accidents as a result of fall were the most common causes of dental trauma. Single tooth injury was the most common. Injured had mostly denied previous injuries. Almost the half of the injured did not ask for professional help within the first 24 hours. 40% of treated patients did not come to recall appointment. Conclusion: Due to complexity of etiological factors it is difficult to prevent traumatic dental injuries. It is important to underline the importance of immediate initial treatment and permanent supervision. Treatment procedures in management of traumatic dental injuries include preventive components. The main objective of preventive strategies is to asses the awereness that the most important factors for prognosis is in sufficient coordination between injured, people present at the time of accident, such as parents, teachers and coaches, and the therapist. Parents and educators should be advised about these facts and procedures when accident happens.