Traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition and sequelae in permanent successors: a retrospective study

To investigate the sequelae of traumatic dental injuries to the primary dentition in permanent successors and identify associated factors.

A retrospective observational study was conducted based on the analysis of dental records of children who suffered traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth and received care and clinical follow-up from 2007 to 2023 at a specialised dental trauma clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Data were collected on aspects related to the children, their families, injuries to primary teeth, treatments performed, and consequences for the permanent dentition. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and Poisson regression with robust variance (p < 0.05; 95% CI).

A total of 324 teeth from 154 children were assessed. A total of 25% of the permanent successors of injured primary teeth had sequelae, the most common being defects in enamel formation (n = 70). Children up to three years of age at the time of the trauma had a higher risk of sequelae in their permanent successors (PR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.12-2.40) and those who received delayed treatment (RR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.01-2.73). Injuries occurring on the street were also associated with a greater risk of sequelae (RR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.20-3.23). No statistically significant differences were found between dental sequelae in permanent successors and the different types of luxation or fractures.

Defects in enamel formation were the most common sequelae after trauma in primary teeth. Sequelae in permanent successors were associated with the age of the child, the environment in which the injury occurred, and delayed post-injury care.