Evaluation of traumatic dental injuries in a group of Turkish population

Abstract

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are significant clinical  problems that may have complex etiologies and may cause physical and physiological impairment.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of TDIs in a group of Turkish subjects.
Materials and Methods: The prevalence of TDIs and the pattern of traumatized teeth were studied in relation to age, gender, cause, location, and type of injury. This study was carried out to include all age groups and teeth. TDIs were recorded using the World Health Organization classification modified by Andreasen et al.
Results: The prevalence of TDIs was found to be 4.4% (255 injured  patients/5800 presented patients), and the injuries were most commonly observed in the age group of 11-20 years. Males were more affected than females (males, 153; females, 102). The most common cause of traumatic injury was falling (68.2%), and the most common place of trauma was outdoors (56.1%). 4, 7% of patients injured because of their systemic diseases. The most frequently injured teeth were the upper central incisors (primary teeth, 64.5%; permanent teeth, 72.5%), and the most common type of dental injury was uncomplicated crown fracture in both primary (63%) and permanent dentition (47%).
Conclusion: In the surveyed population, the prevalence of TDIs was found to be low. However, the teacher and family of adolescents and the  caregivers of patients with some systemic diseases like epilepsy should be warned about TDIs.

Key words: Dental trauma, etiology, prevalence