Histopathological evaluation of pulpal health in traumatized discoloured primary incisors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective(s)

Tooth discoloration following trauma in primary dentition is a clinical indicator of potential pulpal pathology This study aims to assess the histological status of pulpal health in discolored traumatized primary incisors and its correlation with discoloration types.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 55 pediatric outpatients (ages 3–7 years) between July 2021 and December 2022. Demographic details, time elapsed after trauma (TET), presence of symptoms, and discoloration type (Yellow, Grey, Pink, or Red) were documented. The extracted pulp tissue samples underwent histopathological assessment and were classified as: Normal/Healthy Pulp, Inflamed Pulp, Partial Necrosis, or Complete Necrosis. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test with a 95% significance threshold.

Results

Greyish discoloration was the most prevalent (87%), followed by pink (11%) and yellow (2%). Most cases (89%) were clinically asymptomatic, with 56.36% reported within six months of trauma. Histopathological examination revealed partial necrosis (42%), complete necrosis (38%), and inflammation (20%) in all discolored teeth. Despite these findings, no statistically significant correlation was established between discoloration type, histopathological pulp status, and TET (p>0.05).

Conclusion

(s): Greyish discoloration frequently coincides with pulpal necrosis. However, given study limitations, endodontic treatment should be guided by clinical and radiographic assessments rather than discoloration alone.