TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES: ETIOLOGY, PREVALENCE AND POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

Traumatic dental injuries are significant public health problem because of its frequency, impact on economic productivity and quality of life. It is not a disease and no individual is ever at zero risk of sustaining these potentially life-changing injuries. Traumatic dental injuries occur most frequently in children and young adults. Older adults also suffer from traumatic dental injuries but at significantly lower rates than individuals in the younger cohorts. Luxation injuries are the most common traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition, whereas crown fractures are more commonly reported for the permanent teeth. Proper diagnosis, treatment planning and follow up are very important to assure a favorable outcome. The aim was to overview the etiology, prevalence and possible outcomes of dental trauma. An electronic search of Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, SSCI (Social Citation Index), SCI (Science Citation Index) databases from 2000 to the present, using the following search words: tooth injuries, tooth trauma, traumatized teeth, dental trauma, dentoalveolar trauma, oral trauma, epidemiology, etiology, prevalence, prevention, pulp necrosis, inflammatory resorption, ankylosis, cervical resorption, was performed. The current revision represents the best evidence based on the available literature and expert opinions. During last decade traumatic dental injuries were recognized as public dental health problem worldwide. Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries varies between countries. According to the existing data they are more prevalent in permanent than in primary dentition. All treatment procedures in case of dental trauma are directed to minimize undesired consequences despite that treatment of traumatic dental injuries in the young patient is often complicated and can continue during the rest of his/her life. The changing lifestyle and requirements of modern society lead to an emergence of new patterns of dental trauma. Successful treatment of traumatic injuries depends on timely action by the patient and a quick and accurate diagnosis by the dentist. Although most injuries are minor and of an urgent nature, displaced or missing teeth are true emergencies. The mismanagement of traumatic dental injuries has provided much information as well as questions for research that have resulted in the increased retention of teeth with as little treatment as possible. Maintaining pulp vitality when possible, utilizing the therapeutic effects of calcium hydroxide, and returning teeth to function as soon as possible are keys to predictable prognosis. It is the responsibility of the dentist to stay current on the latest techniques available to treat traumatic injuries. The charts included provide most of the potential emergency treatment possibilities, recommended follow-up treatment, and final treatment outcomes essential to providing the best care for our child patients. It is also the responsibility of the dentist to use evidence-based research when adopting treatment protocols.