Parental Awareness and Decision-Making in Enamel-Dentin Fractures in Permanent Teeth: The Role of Visual Case...

This study aims to assess the impact of visual case scenarios on parental awareness and urgency perception regarding enamel-dentin fractures in children.

This descriptive study included parents of children aged 4-14 who were receiving active dental care. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: demographic characteristics and general knowledge questions, and visual case-based scenarios to evaluate trauma perception. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive methods and chi-square testing. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.

A total of 317 participants participated in the study; 65.9% of the participants were mothers and 56.8% had female children. A history of dental trauma was reported by 11.7% of parents. Regarding information sources, 50% relied on dentists or healthcare professionals, and 30.1% used the Internet. After a traumatic event, 42% preferred consulting a pediatric dentist, while 25.2% would visit a general dentist. 62.1% of participants could distinguish between primary and permanent teeth, but only 45.1% believed that the tooth type (primary or permanent) influenced treatment decisions. Regarding trauma concerns, 62.8% prioritized treatment for anterior teeth due to the risk of future complications. 96.8% acknowledged that the time elapsed since the trauma could affect treatment outcomes, and 72.2% considered fracture size important in treatment decisions. Furthermore, 87.1% did not view posterior tooth fractures as concerning as anterior ones.

This study highlights significant gaps in parental knowledge about pediatric dental trauma, stressing the need for improved education on trauma severity, timely intervention, and the impact of fracture size and tooth type on treatment.