Traumatic dental injuries in children presenting for treatment at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan, 1997-2000

Data pertaining to traumatic dental injuries of children seeking care at the teaching clinics of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan over a period of 4 years were analyzed. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 14.2% from 2751 subjects. The peak incidence of injury was 10-12-year age group. Boys were more affected (18.3%) than girls (10.1%). Most injuries occurred at home (63.2%), and falls were the leading cause of injuries (49.9%). Most injuries involved one tooth (69.3%) and maxillary central incisors were the most affected teeth (90.4%). The commonest injury was uncomplicated crown fracture (62.5%), then complicated crown fracture (28.7%). Only 17.1% of children sought treatment the same day or the day after the injury. At the initial examination, cases seen after a long post-traumatic period required more complicated treatment than those presented within a short time period. Preventive educational program should be instituted in Jordan, directed at parents and school teachers to inform them about the importance of traumatic dental injuries and the benefit of immediate attendance for dental treatment. Furthermore, improving the knowledge of dental practitioners through continuing education would also help in minimizing sequelae of traumatic dental injuries.