This retrospective study analyzed 1,332 patients (aged 0 – 16) with 2,442 traumatized teeth and 2,671 dental injuries at Seoul National University Dental Hospital from 2015 to 2024. The study reviewed medical records and radiographs for demographics, injury etiology, sites, types of traumatized teeth, time to presentation, initial management, and clinical outcomes based on the 2020 IADT guidelines. Trauma was more prevalent in males (1.73 : 1 ratio), with peaks at ages 1 – 2 and 8 – 9, reflecting primary and mixed dentition stages. Falls were the primary cause, followed by collisions; notably, home injuries increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The maxillary central incisors were the most frequently affected, with periodontal injuries predominating, especially in primary dentition. Clinical data showed that over 50% of patients presented within 24 hours, and 76.3% attended follow-up. While 71.6% of teeth showed favorable healing, unfavorable outcomes were significantly higher in primary teeth, delayed presentations, and combined injuries. Pulpal and periapical complications were the most frequent sequelae. Importantly, injuries to primary teeth were found to cause developmental disturbances in their permanent successors. The study concludes that timely management and long-term follow-up are essential for improving pediatric dental trauma prognosis. Since early trauma to primary teeth can lead to lasting consequences for the permanent dentition, the findings emphasize the necessity of preventive strategies and parental education.
Yong et al. (Sun,) studied this question.