Analysis of treatments performed at a university dental trauma service in southern Brazil

Abstract

This retrospective observational study aimed to analyze cases assisted at the Dentoalveolar Trauma Clinic of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (FO-UFRGS) from March 2015 to March 2018, according to the treatments performed on traumatized permanent teeth and the results after one year of follow-up. The sample was based on information collected from clinical records of 92 patients, referring to a) data before treatment, b) data on the diagnosis and proposed treatment, and c) data on the follow-up period. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Most patients were male (56.5%) and aged six to 11 (30.4%) and older than 18 (29.1%) years. The prevalent cause of trauma was falling, and 59% of patients were first assisted within 24 hours. The most frequent traumas were enamel and dentin fractures with and without pulp exposure (6.3%), lateral luxation (1.4%), and avulsion (1.9%). Endodontic treatment was usually performed on traumatized teeth (7.2%). Of the 92 patients, 58 returned for maintenance visits with a mean follow-up of one year. Most patients had successful treatments. Prompt care and patient follow-up were essential for the good prognosis of traumatized teeth.Keywords: tooth; dental trauma; public health; aftercare.