THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was to determine the risk factors for pulp necrosis and external inflammatory resorption in children with permanent teeth trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved 68 pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years (mean age 10.9±2.9 years) with a history of trauma to 152 permanent teeth. Of the 152 teeth, 55 had unformed roots, and 97 teeth had formed roots. Multiple trauma was observed in 43 teeth, and isolated trauma was observed in 109 teeth. All patients were assessed for the risks of pulp necrosis and external inflammatory root resorption in traumatized permanent teeth depending on a number of factors. The patients were observed clinically and radiographically from 6 months to 9 years.

RESULTS

The probability of external inflammatory resorption in case of pulp necrosis in permanent teeth with unformed roots is 2.3 times higher than in formed ones. Multiple trauma (30.9%) is more common in patients with unformed roots of permanent teeth, while combined trauma (87.6%) is more common in patients with formed roots. The probability of pulp necrosis in case of multiple trauma of a permanent tooth is higher (67.4%) than in case of isolated trauma (36.7%). Of all types of trauma, avulsion and impaction of a permanent tooth most often lead to pulp necrosis and development of external inflammatory root resorption.

CONCLUSION

Multiple trauma, which is more typical for permanent teeth with unformed roots, is a risk factor for pulp necrosis and, consequently, external inflammatory root resorption of a tooth. A risk-based approach can be an effective tool for a dentist in choosing the tactics of managing children with permanent tooth trauma. Evaluation of risk factors for pulp necrosis and external inflammatory resorption in a specific permanent tooth in a child will allow the dentist to provide a personalized way to prevent these complications, and therefore increase the likelihood of tooth survival after trauma.