Clinical Factors and Characteristics Associated With Traumatic Dental Injuries among Children

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) in children who attended the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, SRM Dental College, Chennai between the years 2013-2016 and to analyze the factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to retrieve data about the prevalence, gender, age, etiology of trauma, reasons for dental visit, number of injured teeth, type of injury, time elapsed and treatment rendered from the records of patients aged below 15years. Results: An overall prevalence of 0.05% was observed. Significantly more number of injuries was observed in boys (63%) of all age groups due to fall (82%) during the vacation months (20%). Majority of them had reported with their chief complaint as trauma (84%). Delayed reporting of more than a month was seen in significantly high number of cases (74%) (P<0.05). Permanent dentition (63%) was more involved than primary dentition (35%). Fracture involving enamel & dentin (38%) was the most common type of injury. Single tooth injuries (50%) and multiple tooth injuries (50%) were equally distributed; restorations were the most commonly done treatment. Conclusion: Though a low prevalence rate of TDI has been found, the reporting time was delayed in significantly high number of cases, hence there is a pressing need to motivate the public about importance of early dental visit following trauma.