Characteristics of Pediatric Traumatic Dental Injuries in Southwest China: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background/aim: Although pediatric traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are widely reported, evidence regarding follow-up determinants remains limited. This study aimed to characterize TDI profiles and identify factors influencing subsequent dental visits.

Material and methods: This retrospective study included all first-visit pediatric TDI patients between 2019 and 2020. Data were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses were conducted using R Core Team software. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and cumulative logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results: 1362 children (66.23% boys and 33.77% girls) with a median age of 6 years were included, involving 1151 permanent and 1327 primary injured teeth. Central incisors were most frequently affected. Primary teeth were more prone to Class I and IV TDIs, while permanent teeth were more frequently associated with Class II and III TDIs (p < 0.001). Enamel-dentin fractures, subluxations, and contusions were the most prevalent TDIs in Class I, II, and IV, respectively. Tooth type distinction significantly affected the elapsed time between injury and arrival (p < 0.001), treatment plans (p < 0.001), and number of follow-ups (p < 0.001). More hard tissue alterations were observed during the follow-ups of permanent teeth (p = 0.003). In permanent teeth, predictors of increased follow-up visits included: older age (OR = 0.891, 95% CI: 0.824-0.964; p = 0.004), male sex (OR = 1.263, 95% CI: 1.015-1.574; p = 0.037), shorter elapsed time (< 2 h vs. > 7 days: OR = 0.211, 95% CI: 0.078-0.580; p = 0.002), and greater severity (severe vs. mild: OR = 7.324, 95% CI: 3.550-15.265; p < 0.001). For primary teeth, only severity was significant (severe vs. mild: OR = 0.496, 95% CI: 0.277-0.844; p = 0.013).

Conclusions: Permanent TDIs demand prolonged monitoring, particularly in older children with severe injuries who need prompt care.