Enamel defects on permanent successors following luxation injuries to primary teeth and carers' experiences

Trauma to primary teeth may have consequences.

To study frequency of enamel defects in permanent successors after luxation injuries, and to report carers' experiences.

Children 8-15 years (n = 170) suffering luxation injury to primary dentition in 2003 were reexamined in 2010. Permanent successors (n = 300) were clinically examined and photographed. Data from dental records, registration form and a questionnaire were analysed by cross-tabulation and tested by chi-square and t-test.

Enamel defects were registered in 130 successor teeth, 22% due to trauma, 21% due to other aetiological factors (MIH, dental fluorosis, idiopathic). Successors with enamel defects were after concussion 8%, subluxation 18%, lateral luxation 41%, intrusion 38% and avulsion 47%. Enamel defects were associated with the child's age and severity of the injury (P < 0.05). Six children had enamel defects in successors of non-injured primary teeth. Anxiety recorded by carers was associated with severity and number of injured teeth (P < 0.05). According to carers eight children developed dental fear, seven were younger than 3.5 years and had had their injured teeth removed.

Minor luxation injuries and indirect trauma may cause enamel defects in permanent successors. Lower age at injury, severity and number of injured teeth affect carer and child negatively.