Traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition: A comprehensive review

Abstract

This review aims to cover the best practices for diagnosing, classifying, and managing these injuries according to current clinical guidelines, as well as examining recent studies on the topic. Dental trauma in young children is a common concern, especially as they go through stages of active play and development. Most of these accidents happen at home, usually from falls. Recent research has been exploring the environmental and personal risk factors that lead to these injuries. When primary teeth, which are closely linked to permanent teeth, get injured, it can cause a range of problems for both sets of teeth, now and in the future. Complications following primary tooth trauma may include pulp necrosis, root resorption, early tooth loss, and disturbances in the permanent successors, such as enamel hypoplasia, discoloration, and eruption abnormalities. The risk and severity of sequelae are influenced by the child’s age, type of injury, and number of affected teeth. Long-term follow-up until eruption of the permanent teeth is therefore essential. The complexity of these injuries, along with the difficulty of getting young children to cooperate and the high levels of anxiety in both kids and their parents, highlights the importance of healthcare professionals following accurate protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Sometimes, it is necessary to refer to a specialist. Effective management of TDIs in the primary dentition requires early diagnosis, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and a child-centered, minimally invasive approach to reduce both immediate and future complications.

How to cite this article:

Sağ K, Coşar MS, Çehreli ZC. Traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition: A comprehensive review. J Med Dent Invest 2025;6:e250295. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e250095