[Possibilities of preventing traumatic dental injuries--a prospective study]

The aim of this study was to investigate the most important etiological factors related to traumatic dental injuries, type of required treatment, period from injury to initial treatment and frequency of recall appointments.

The sample consisted of 283 children with dental injuries managed at the Department of Dentistry of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, during the last 7 years. Retrospective data relied on trauma protocols of this department, whereas collected data referred to etiological factors, type of initial treatment, period from injury to initial treatment, recall appointments and complications of traumatic dental injuries. These results were compared with other similar national and international studies, in order to promote implementation of preventive strategies that would reduce the increasing frequency of dental trauma.

Fall accidents were the most common cause of dental trauma. Injuries were most frequent in autumn, in the street, and in the afternoon hours. Single tooth injury was predominant, while the injured mostly denied previous injuries. Almost half of the injured patients did not seek professional help in the first 24 hours after the injury. 40% of treated patients missed their recall appointment.

Knowledge of the etiology is important for planning preventive measures, but because of the complexity of etiological factors, it is difficult to prevent traumatic dental injuries. It is also important to underline the importance of immediate initial treatment of traumatized patients, and significance of their regular professional supervision. Generally speaking, almost all treatment procedures in management of traumatic dental injuries include preventive component.