Effects of traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth on permanent teeth - a clinical follow-up study

AIM: This study evaluated the prevalence of developmental sequelae to permanent teeth (DSP) after traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth (TDI-1) and their association with age, gender, type of injury, recurrence of injury and post-traumatic damage to primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records of 2725 children treated from February 1993 to December 2008 in a private pediatric dental clinic were examined. A total of 308 records had 412 primary teeth that sustained traumatic injuries. Age at the time of injury ranged from 4 months to 7 years. A chi-squared test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight children (241 teeth) were followed up until the eruption of the permanent successor. The prevalence of DSP was 22.4%. Discoloration and hypoplasia were the most frequent abnormalities (74.1%), followed by eruption disorders (25.9%). Age at the time of TDI-1 was the only variable significantly associated with DSP. Sequelae were most prevalent among children who suffered an injury between 1 and 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Children who sustain traumatic dental injuries should be followed up regularly for an early diagnosis and treatment of possible DSP.