Pulp vitality preservation after traumatic dental injuries to permanent teeth

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The pulp vitality preservation after a trauma to permanent teeth is of great importance since dental injuries are common. The aim of our study was to investigate the pulp vitality preservation after tooth injuries.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of records of patients with a trauma was performed. The sample consisted of all patients who had been referred to the Department of Dentistry of Vojvodina for a trauma to permanent teeth during the period 2005-2010. We recorded the type of injury, treatment, state of vitality during the first visit and subsequent check-ups.RESULTS: The study included 162 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years having a trauma to 314 permanent teeth. The most frequent type of injuries in permanent teeth was fractures (54.5%), whereas luxation was a less common trauma (45.5%). Though different kinds of traumas have different optimal time for treatment, a period of 24 hours was taken as optimal; hence, 189 teeth were treated in optimal time and 55 complications occurred in them; while 105 complications occurred in 114 teeth which were treated 24 hours after the trauma. A year after the trauma the pulp vitality was preserved in 88 teeth (32%), pulp necrosis and other complications developed in 160 teeth (68%).CONCLUSION: The therapy of pulp vitality preservation in injured teeth was found successful in 32% and unsuccessful in 68% of cases at check-ups over one year.