Dental Trauma in Children: A Survey

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Lutheran Medical Center

Resident’s Name: Craig Elice Date: 9/04/2009
Article title: Dental Trauma in Children: A Survey
Author(s): Perez R, Berkowitz R. Mcllveen L. et al
Journal: Endodontic Dental Traumatology
Volume (number): 1991 (7): 212-3
Major topic: Dental Trauma
Type of Article: Survey
Main Purpose: The purpose of this article was to determine the type and prevalence of injuries presenting to the pediatric dental service of the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C..
Materials and Methods: This twelve month study consisted of 227 patients who reported to the Children’s Medical Center with a traumatic dental injury. A clinical evaluation was performed and the indicated dental radiographs were exposed. Demographic information consisting of patient age, sex, time and cause of injury, intraoral and extraoral soft tissue injury, fractured or displaced teeth, and lastly alveolar fracture. All crown fractures were classified using Ellis classification and root fractures were noted. Displacements were divided as follows: Group 1—sensitivity to percussion and mobile without displacement; Group 2—extrusion from socket; Group 3 –intrusion; and lastly Group 4—avulsion.
Findings: Of the 227 patients, 96 were less than 5 years of age, 85 were 5-12 years, 46 were greater than 13. The leading cause of injury was due to falls at 46%. 132 (58%) children sustained soft tissue injury, approximately 33% sustained at least one fractured tooth, 62% sustained a displacement injury, and approximately 6% presented with an alveolar fracture which was usually associated with an automobile accident.
Key points/Summary : Falls were the most common cause of dental injury, males have a greater prevalence of dental trauma than females, injuries occur more frequently during the late spring, summer and early fall than other seasons. Soft tissue injury occurs in approximately half of all dental trauma.
Assessment of article: Well presented article yielding trauma patterns consistent with private practice