[Dental trauma: quo vadis]

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Pediatric dentistry
• Dental trauma research

Context:

• Dental trauma is projected to become the leading threat to youth oral health, affecting half of schoolchildren.
• Significant economic consequences accompany the high prevalence of dental trauma.
• Current research on dental trauma's etiology, treatment, and long-term prognosis is limited.

Purpose:

• To highlight the increasing significance of dental trauma in youth.
• To emphasize the need for comprehensive research into dental trauma.
• To advocate for a greater focus on the traumatized child in dental academia.

Summary:

• Dental trauma is expected to surpass caries and periodontal disease as the primary dental health concern for children.
• Despite its prevalence and impact, research into the causes, acute treatment, healing complications, and long-term outcomes of dental trauma remains insufficient.
• There is a critical need to investigate the etiological factors, treatment modalities, and prognostic indicators associated with dental trauma in children.

Impact:

• Increased awareness of dental trauma as a major public health issue for children.
• Stimulation of academic research into the causes, management, and long-term consequences of dental trauma.
• Potential for improved treatment strategies and long-term outcomes for young patients experiencing dental trauma.