Traumatic dental injuries-Prevalence and severity among 16-year-old pupils in western Norway

Traumatic Dental Injuries among Adolescents and Young Adults in Iași, Romania: Legal and Medical Perspectives

Adolescents and young adults' active lifestyles make dental trauma a significant medical concern.

AIM

This study aims to assess the etiology, frequency, and localization of dental and periodontal trauma in adolescents and young adults, along with these individuals' predisposition based on age, gender, and residence. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 109 adolescents and young adults from a database of the Emergency and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital, Iasi, Romania. The collected data included demographic details, mechanisms of dental and periodontal trauma, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, with comparisons based on age, gender, and residence.

RESULTS

Enamel fractures (23.9%) and enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (20.2%) were the most frequent dental injuries. Concussion (58.7%), subluxation (21.1%), luxation, avulsion (7.3%), and extrusion (5.5%) were common periodontal injuries. The anterior region of the dental arch accounted for the majority (60.6%) of injuries. Adolescents under 17 years were more prone to enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (23.8%), enamel-dentin fractures with pulp exposure (20.6%), and root fractures (20.6%), while young adults over 18 years had a higher incidence of enamel fractures (32.6%) and crown-root fractures (30.4%). Falls (66.7%) were the predominant cause of trauma for female patients, whereas male patients were more often injured during sports activities (49.3%). The younger age group was 0.29 times more likely to sustain enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (p = 0.049, OR = 0.291) and root fractures (p = 0.047, OR = 0.241).

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic dental injuries are more prevalent in young adults compared to adolescents, with falls and sports activities being the most common causes, particularly among males. These findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive programs aimed at reducing the incidence of dento-periodontal trauma in these age groups.

Traumatic dental injuries: Knowledge assessment of dentists in the Norwegian Public Dental Service of Vestland

BACKGROUND/AIM

Most children and adolescents in Norway attend the Public Dental Service (PDS) where they are treated free-of-charge until the age of 19 years. Thus, general dentists employed in the PDS are the primary care providers for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in young patients. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge of PDS general dentists on the acute management and follow-up of TDI and its socio-demographic and attitudinal covariates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All general dentists employed in the Vestland County PDS, Western Norway, (N = 170) received an online questionnaire. Socio-demographic and professional profiles of respondents as well as attitudinal indicators were queried. Clinical case scenarios on emergency treatment and further follow-ups of TDI were used to calculate a dental trauma knowledge score (DTKS; range: 0-21). Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests determined differences between the demographic subgroups. Logistic regressions determined the potential of single factors in explaining the variability in dental trauma knowledge.

RESULTS

The response rate was 46%. Most participants (60.5%) had not participated in a TDI course after graduation but would like such a course (84.2%). Mean DTKS was 13.82 (±2.6). Knowledge scores differed significantly between age groups (p = .014) and years since graduation (p = .0018). Younger dentists and recently graduated dentists scored highest. Dentists under the age of 30 years scored higher than 30-39- and 40-49-year-old dentists in these areas: emergency treatment of crown fractures with pulp exposure, identification of complications after avulsion, and management of severe intrusive luxation injury.

CONCLUSION

Younger dentists had a higher theoretical knowledge of TDI. Continuing professional development among dentists in the Norwegian PDS is needed for emergency treatment and complication management after TDI.

Traumatic dental injuries among children attending the public after-hours emergency dental clinic in Bergen, Norway

OBJECTIVES

To investigate traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children who for 1 year attended a Norwegian public after-hours emergency public dental (EPD) clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 7-18-year-olds (n = 312) who presented at the EPD clinic, underwent a clinical dental examination, and consented to the disclosure of clinical information. Recording of TDIs was restricted to anterior permanent teeth. Potential TDI predictors were also analysed.

RESULTS

Almost half (n = 148) of the children were assessed with TDIs in permanent teeth, showing a mean age of 11.0 (standard deviation [SD]: 3.5) years. Males constituted 54.7%. The children experienced TDIs often outside school hours (43.9%), and the majority (58.1%) were caused by falls/accidents. Sixty of them experienced only one TDI. The most common location was the maxillary central incisors. Assessment of TDIs according to severity, could only be done in 131 individuals, involving 253 TDIs. Of these, 81.8% were mild. The odds of visiting the emergency clinic for a TDI were higher (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64, confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-4.31) among children with previous TDIs and lower (OR = 0.28, CI: 0.12-0.68) among those with poor dental attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic dental injuries were a common reason for seeking emergency care. Milder injuries dominated and involved mostly one maxillary central incisor. Previous episodes of TDIs and attendance patterns seemed to be associated with seeking care for TDIs.

Orthodontic management of traumatic dental injuries in Norway and orthodontists' perceptions of referral routines: A quality assurance survey

BACKGROUND/AIM

Orthodontic treatment of patients with traumatic dental injuries is challenging, with limited evidence of routines and outcomes. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe how orthodontists perceive the information on traumatic dental injuries received by referral from the Public Dental Health Service before orthodontic treatment and (ii) to assess orthodontists' knowledge and working routines in managing traumatic dental injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained through a survey of all practicing orthodontists registered as members of the Norwegian Association of Orthodontists (n = 203).

RESULTS

Eighty-three orthodontists were enrolled, most of whom had received their dental degree (73.0%) and specialist orthodontic training (88.5%) in Norway. They reported examining patients with a history of traumatic dental injury at weekly (34.2%) or monthly (38.0%) basis. In 85.5% of cases, they obtained a history of traumatic dental injury from patients. Half of the respondents (51.3%) favoured two-phase early orthodontic treatment for patients with an overjet ≥6 mm. The observation time and treatment strategy showed considerable discrepancies across traumatic dental injury diagnoses. Most (59.1%) orthodontists considered the information on previous traumatic dental injuries provided by the Public Dental Health Services referral 'inadequate', more commonly in cases of mild (83.5%) than severe (57.5%) traumatic dental injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic management of patients with traumatic dental injuries was characterised by lack of uniformity in both recommended observation time before orthodontic treatment and management strategy. The referral routines by the Public Dental Health Services for patients with traumatic dental injuries were perceived as 'inadequate' in terms of frequency and quality. The results indicate the requirement of standardisation of routines related to orthodontic management of traumatic dental injuries and referral routines by the Public Dental Health Services.

Dental trauma and oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools

Dental trauma is a public health problem because of its high prevalence rates and treatment costs and for affecting mainly younger individuals. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the variables associated with dental trauma and its influence on oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools. Methods: The data was collected with semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires and an intraoral clinical examination (n = 204). The variables collected regarded dental trauma, lip coverage, overjet, oral health-related quality of life (Child Perceptions Questionnaire - CPQ11-14 ISF: 8), and sociodemographic profile. Association tests and the Mann-Whitney test were performed at a 5% significance level. Results: Dental trauma occurred in 12.3% of students, 94.6% had adequate lip coverage, and the mean overjet was 2.7 mm (±2.0). Sex was the only variable with a statistically significant association with dental trauma (p = 0.021). There was no statistically significant difference in the CPQ11-14 ISF: 8 score between students with and without dental trauma (p = 0.136). Conclusions: Dental trauma was significantly associated with sex and did not impact the oral health-related quality of life of the students.

Tooth- and Patient-Related Conditions May Influence Root Canal Treatment Indication

Aim

To investigate predisposing aspects related to the indication for root canal treatment (RCT) at Dental Schools of Brazil.

Methods

Data of 207 patients referred to endodontic treatment at undergraduate Dental Schools of Brazil were collected over a period of 8 months. Patient-related data included age, gender, first dental visit, tooth brushing frequency, number of remaining teeth, and previous endodontic treatment, and tooth-related information regarding number, type, and location in the mouth of teeth that need RCT, waiting time for the endodontic treatment, endodontic diagnosis, pain report, and dental crown condition was collected for each participant. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test; p < 0.05) associated gender and tooth/patient-related conditions. Poisson regression analysis compared multiple endodontic need and exposure variables.

Results

Patients were mainly comprised of women (65.2%), aged 18-39 years (69.6%). Previous RCT was significantly more prevalent in women when compared to men (p=0.005). First dental visit at later moment (after 20 years of age) demonstrated 400% greater prevalence of multiple RCT demand when compared to patients that attended the dental office at age below seven years (p=0.032). Most of the patients presented only one tooth needing RCT (80.2%), mainly premolars (44.9%). Interestingly, women underwent more RCT in maxillary teeth (p=0.016) and significantly contributed with their report to the diagnosis process when compared to men (p=0.014). Regarding dental crown condition, 45.4% of all teeth registered unsatisfactory restorations, which were more pronounced in female patients (p=0.018). Unsatisfactory restorations or dental caries had 75% and 82%, respectively, less prevalence of multiple RCT indication when compared to sound dental crown (p=0.001).

Conclusions

RCT was undertaken more frequently in young female adults' premolars presenting unsatisfactory restorations. First dental visit, number of teeth with previous endodontic treatment, tooth group, and dental crown condition were significantly associated with the necessity of multiple endodontic treatments.

Comparison between periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of anterior maxillary trauma in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Under-estimating the damage caused by trauma to the dental structures may delay treatment. Timely and accurate diagnosis remains challenging in clinical practice. Radiography is an important modality for the diagnosis of traumatic injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of trauma to the anterior maxillary dentoalveolar region in children and adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Images of patients who underwent both periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography simultaneously because of trauma to the anterior maxillary region between January 2016 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Pairwise comparison between the receiver operating characteristic curves was performed to statistically compare the two methods for the diagnosis of crown fractures, root fractures, alveolar bone fractures and luxations, tooth resorption, and periapical radiolucencies.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 120 (63.2%) males and 70 (36.8%) females, with a mean age of 11.1 years (range: 6-17 years). A crown fracture was observed in 144 teeth, while a root fracture was observed in 71 teeth. Alveolar fracture and luxation were observed in 44 incisors. During follow-up, tooth resorption and periapical radiolucencies were observed in 25 and 33 teeth, respectively. Pairwise receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that cone beam computed tomography was significantly superior to periapical radiography for the diagnosis of root fractures, alveolar fractures and luxations, and tooth resorption (p < .05). However, no significant differences were found for the diagnosis of crown fractures and periapical radiolucencies (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cone beam computed tomography in the low-dose mode was better for diagnosing root and bone fractures and resorption, but no different to periapical radiographs for crown fractures and periapical radiolucencies in pediatric patients.

Pattern of Traumatic Dental Injuries Among Adults

Background

The etiology, presentation and management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) vary significantly between the adult and the younger population. Most epidemiological studies on TDIs have focused on the pediatric age group. This study aims to report and compare the distributions of TDIs among adults in a sub-population in India.

Methods

This prospective observational study was performed on 1562 consecutively selected patients (1218 males and 344 females) from a university dental hospital in India, between July 2014 and June 2018. The clinical examinations were performed by a single trained and calibrated endodontist. Only TDIs to anterior teeth were recorded (canine to canine in the maxilla and mandible) and classified using a modified version of the World Health Organization's (WHO’s) classification. Periapical and panoramic radiographs were taken for all the subjects.

Results

A total of 1562 patients aged between 20 and 73 years, with a mean age of 36 years, were examined during the study period. The total number of teeth with TDIs was 3044. Males (78%) clearly outnumbered the females (22%) in all the age groups. The most common type of injury occurring in both the genders is uncomplicated crown fractures (male=31.0% and female=36.6%). Avulsion injuries are more likely to be seen by a dentist within 1 hour post-trauma. About two-third of the TDIs were caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) followed by falls in about 20% of the patients.

Conclusion

Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most commonly observed type of TDI, and RTAs were the primary cause of TDI.

Traumatic Dental Injuries, Treatment, and Complications in Children and Adolescents: A Register-Based Study

Objective  Traumatic dental injury (TDI) is a common dental concern among children worldwide. We performed a retrospective patient register study among children under 18 years to investigate TDIs with respect to causes, treatment, and complications.

Materials and Methods  We collected information on TDIs from the original patient records of 407 child patients visiting dental clinic of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania. We analyzed all child patients’ ( n = 407) background, cause, type of TDI, treatment, complications, and time elapsed from injury to visit to the dentist.

Statistical Analysis  The χ² -test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests served in the statistical analyses.

Results  A total of 579 TDI cases occurred during 2010 to 2016. Lateral luxation (19.8%) and intrusion (14.8%) occurred more often in the primary than the permanent dentition ( p < 0.05). The most common cause of TDI was falling (56%). Avulsion occurred in approximately 10% of cases. Follow-up (44.5%) and tooth extraction (48.3%) were the most frequent treatments in the primary and splinting (25.3%) in the permanent teeth. Pulp necrosis was the most frequent complication in primary (92%) and permanent (54%) dentition. About 1% of the patients obtained dental care during the first hour after injury.

Conclusion  The most frequent TDIs included lateral luxation in primary teeth and enamel-dentine fractures in permanent teeth. We observed a delay in patients obtaining emergency dental care.

Traumatic dental injuries and pulp sequelae in an adolescent population

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) occur frequently and may result in pulp sequelae. This includes pulp necrosis with infection, pulp canal obliteration and root resorption. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of pulp sequelae after TDI among Norwegian adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study, including historical clinical data, was conducted with 16-year-old pupils in western Norway. All first-grade pupils, born in 1997 (n = 5184), attending public high schools, were invited to participate and to respond to an electronically administered closed-ended questionnaire (response rate 39.6%, n = 2055). Consent was given to access the dental records in the Public Dental Health Service in Hordaland, where information regarding TDI (diagnosis and treatment) and radiographs were interpreted. Only TDIs to anterior teeth were recorded (canine to canine in the maxilla and mandible). Outcome variables of TDI were registered and analysed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test.

RESULTS

The prevalence of TDI in the sample population was 16.4% (338 pupils), with a total of 637 teeth involved. The number of included teeth for analysis was 571 (90.5%). The prevalence of pulp necrosis with infection was 7.5%. Moderate and severe TDI was associated with a higher frequency of pulp necrosis with infection. Pulp canal obliteration and root resorption were found in 2.8% and 2.3% of teeth with TDI, respectively. Dental hard tissue injuries were more prone to the development of pulp necrosis than luxation injuries and combination injuries. The relationship between root development stage and development of pulp necrosis with infection was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of different pulp sequelae among teeth affected with TDI was low. Moderate and severe TDI were more at risk of developing pulpal complications and hard tissue injuries were at higher risk of developing pulp necrosis with infection.

Injury Prevention, Safety Education and Violence in Relation to the Risk of Tooth Fracture among Korean Adolescents

This study aimed to determine the injury prevention-, safety education-, and violence-related factors pertaining to tooth fracture experience (TFE) in Korean adolescents. We used data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS) in 2018. The 60,040 participants were selected using a complex sampling design from middle and high schools. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. The explanatory variables, including school safety education and violence, were assessed in relation to prevention of traumatic injuries. Complex-samples multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explain the factors related to TFE over the past 12 months. The overall prevalence of TFE was 11.4%. Risk factors related to tooth fractures were not wearing a seatbelt on an express bus, not wearing helmets while riding motorcycles and bicycles, clinical treatment due to injuries at school, injuries associated with earphone/smartphones use, and lack of school safety education such as danger evacuation training. The top risk factor was injuries associated with earphone/smartphone usage, followed by lack of familiarity with school safety education. Thus, to prevent tooth fractures among adolescents, schools should strengthen their safety education, including education regarding mobile device usage, and wearing a seatbelt and wearing a helmet. Care should be taken to manage facilities around the school and to prevent injury related to tooth fracture. Further studies on various risk factors related to tooth fractures are warranted.

Health-Risk Behavior-, Mental Health-, and Physical Exercise-Related Risk Factors for Tooth Fractures in Korean Adolescents

We aimed to determine factors related to tooth fracture experience in Korean adolescents. This study used data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2018, a cross-sectional web-based survey of health-risk behaviors among a representative sample of Korean middle- and high-school students aged 12-17 years. A total of 60,040 participants were selected using a complex sampling design of the survey from 400 middle schools and 400 high schools. They answered a self-administered questionnaire survey in classrooms. Explanatory variables included those pertaining to health-risk behaviors, mental health, and physical exercise. Complex-sample multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify factors related to tooth fracture experience in the past 12 months. The overall prevalence of dental fracture experience was 11.4%. Risk factors related to tooth fractures in Korean adolescents were unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption; mental health problems including stress, depression, and suicidal ideation; and intensive physical exercise. The major risk factor related to tooth fractures was depression. To prevent tooth fractures among adolescents, schools should strengthen mental health education, encourage mouthguard use during intensive physical exercise, and develop school environments to prevent orofacial injuries. Further studies on various risk factors related to tooth fractures are warranted.

Traumatic dental injuries and experiences along the life course - a study among 16-yr-old pupils in western Norway

The study assessed risk factors for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) using experiences along the life course. A retrospective longitudinal study, including historical clinical data, was conducted on 16-yr-old pupils in western Norway. All first-grade pupils born in 1997 and attending public high schools were invited to participate (n = 5,184). Participants responded to an electronically administered closed-ended questionnaire (39.6%, n = 2,055). Information on the occurrence of TDI and events during the life course (categorized as socio-economic, biological, psychosocial, and behavioural indicators) was collected. Variables with a significant bivariate association with three different dependent variables (TDI, severity of TDI, and multiple episodes of TDI) were tested in a hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Traumatic dental injuries were more frequent among boys, adolescents of higher socio-economic status, and adolescents with adverse psychosocial and behavioural scores. Moderate and severe TDIs were more frequent among adolescents with adverse psychosocial and behavioural scores and among adolescents participating in the sport of wrestling. Multiple episodes of TDI were more frequent among adolescents with adverse psychosocial and behavioural scores and among adolescents participating in sports activities. Incorporation of different life-course indicators is important in evaluating TDI severity and repeated incidents.