Epidemiology and outcomes of dental trauma cases from an urban pediatric emergency department.

Aim: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the outcomes of traumatized teeth treated in a pediatric emergency department.

Methods And Materials: The records of pediatric patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department of a pediatric hospital over a 56-month period were reviewed and pertinent data were extracted. Treatment outcomes and contributing factors were analyzed for cases with greater than 6 months of follow up.

Results: A total of 264 patient records (548 traumatized teeth) were investigated. The mean age of the children was 8.2 years and 62% were boys. The most common ages for dental trauma were between 2-4 years and 8-10 years. Permanent dentition comprised 53% of the traumatized teeth. Extrusive and lateral luxations (29.5%) were the most common injuries encountered. Two hundred and thirty seven teeth (43%) presented for follow-up visits, and the mean duration of follow up was 55.6 days. The number of cases with more than 6 months of follow up decreased to 122 (22%). Of these, 31 (6%) teeth were extracted at the time of injury. Outcomes were ascertained for the remaining 91 (17%) teeth. Emergency dental treatment led to uncomplicated retention of teeth beyond 6 months in 58% of these cases. Luxation injuries had a higher success rate than avulsions (P = 0.046).

Conclusions: After receiving emergency dental care in the emergency department, 43% of the teeth presented for follow-up dental care and only 22% were followed up for greater than 6 months. Emergency department treatment translated to successful retention of teeth in 58% of the cases with documented follow up. Severe periodontal injuries resulted in treatment complications.