A retrospective study of dento-alveolar injuries

Traumatic injuries to primary and permanent dentition may lead to severe therapeutic problems. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate epidemiologic data of dento-alveolar injuries collected in a university dental clinic. The sample consisted of 300 patients (198 boys, 102 girls) representing 480 injured teeth, mostly maxillary incisors (94.6%). The results pointed-out a high predominance of traumatized primary teeth. Types of injuries differed between deciduous and permanent dentition: luxation injuries were most often recorded in primary dentition (81%), while a high percentage of crown and crown-root fractures were recorded in permanent dentition (38%). Epidemiological observations concerning location, etiology and distribution of dento-alveolar injuries are briefly discussed.