Knowledge and attitude of pediatricians with regard to emergency management of dental avulsion-a survey

Abstract

Dental trauma is a very significant problem encountered in both primary and the permanent dentition.In preschool children the trauma rate is as high as 18% of all injuries. Among all facial injuries, dental injuries are the most common of which avulsions occur in 1–16% of all dental injuries. Among dental traumatic injuries, avulsion results in major functional and esthetic disturbances for patients. Epidemiological studies revealed that children from 8 to 12 years often suffer a dental injury.The teeth most commonly avulsed in both the primary and the permanent dentition are the maxillary central and lateral incisors. The longer the avulsed tooth is out of its socket, the less likely it will remain in a healthy functional state after replantation. The prognosis of replanted permanent teeth depends primarily on (i) prompt and appropriate first care, commonly provided by non-health professionals at the site of the accident, (ii) the storage media of the avulsed tooth prior to replantation, and (iii) the viability of periodontal ligament remnants on the root surface. Research has shown that immediate replantation is the best and most appropriate treatment for the traumatically avulsed permanent teeth. The aim of this study is to assess the basic knowledge of dental trauma and its management among pediatricians.