Long-term Effects of Traumatic Injuries to Incisors and Periodontal Tissues during Childhood

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of dentoalveolar growth disturbances, loss of teeth and esthetic impairment after the end of growth following traumatic injuries to incisors and periodontal tissues during childhood. 41 patients having sustained dentoalveolar trauma before age 10 and who were now at least aged 16 years, and a total of 68 traumatized teeth were documented by clinical examination, dental casts and photographs. We determined the three-dimensional position of the traumatized teeth on the casts, as well as the traumatized teeth's pulp sensibility, percussive sound and sensitivity, shape and color. 82% of the traumatized teeth were in the upper dentition. 45% of the traumatized teeth experienced subluxation, nearly 30% luxation, 16% avulsion. At the time of the follow-up examination (mean 17.0 years post-trauma), 57% of the traumatized teeth were still in situ. Immediately after trauma 7.4% of the teeth were lost; up to 16 years post-trauma 35.6% of the teeth were lost because of failed root canal filling, root resorption or ankylosis. We observed no functional deviations. Dentoalveolar growth disturbances were rare. Three teeth were markedly discolored. Following dentoalveolar trauma during childhood, negative effects on growth, function and esthetics can be minimized by timely interdisciplinary treatment and by follow-up controls until the end of growth to achieve an outcome satisfying both the patient and clinician.