Dento-Alveolar and Maxillofacial Injuries: A 5-Years Multi Center Study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence, severity and cause of dento-alveolar and maxillofacial injuries in a population of patients admitted to hospital due to trauma during the years 2000-2004. Methods: Data was collected from the Israel Trauma Registry (ITR). 111,010 patients hospitalized in 10 trauma centers in Israel during the studied years were selected for the study. Files included patients admitted and hospitalized in the trauma centers due to any kind of trauma. Maxillofacial and tooth injuries were separated and further analyzed. Results: Out of the 111,010 patients hospitalized, 5886 (5.3%) of had suffered from either maxillofacial or dental injury. The age group at highest risk was 10-28 years. Males were found to be 3 times more susceptible to maxillofacial injuries than females. The main causes of injury in the entire population were falls (48%) and vehicle accidents (25%). Conversely, vehicle accidents accounted for 40% of facial injuries and 57% of dental trauma, while falls contributed to 32% and 27% respectively. In 3721 (63.2%) of maxillofacial and dental injuries, facial injuries, concurrent with extra-oral trauma occurred. Quarter of maxillofacial or dental injuries required surgical intervention. Conclusions: Relatively high occurrence of dental trauma in conjunction with general and facial trauma was reported. These occur in over 5% of the patients admitted for treatment of general trauma. Oral traumatic injuries may be present, but they may be overlooked, especially in cases of serious wounds. Special efforts are required to promote knowledge among medical personnel regarding maxillofacial and dental injuries.