Characteristics of Pediatric Dental Injuries and Predictive Factors for Long Treatment Duration.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to identify the characteristics of oral and maxillofacial injuries in children and determine factors influencing a treatment duration of more than 1 month using medical records.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study reviewed medical records of 258 children (< 16 years of age) with maxillofacial trauma treated at a university hospital between 2011 and 2021. Patients with and without tooth fractures or dislocations were compared, and the prevalence of injuries was analyzed across three age groups (0-2, 3-5, ≥ 6 years). Long (> 1 month) and short (< 1 month) treatment durations were compared, and independent predictive factors for prolonged treatment were identified.

RESULTS

Tooth injuries were observed in 204 (79.1%) patients. Deciduous central incisors in the primary dentition and central incisors in the permanent dentition were the most commonly affected. Soft tissue injuries occurred in 165 (64.0%) patients, while maxillofacial fractures were present in 7 (2.7%). Tooth fractures significantly increased with age (p < 0.001), while dislocations showed no age-related differences. Logistic regression revealed that maxillofacial fractures, tooth fractures, and two or more dislocated teeth were independent predictors of prolonged treatment, with odds ratios of 14.666 (1.625-132.359), 2.411 (1.099-5.287), and 2.350 (1.208-4.570), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillofacial fractures, multiple tooth dislocations, and tooth fractures were confirmed as key factors influencing longer treatment durations. These findings may assist in the early management of maxillofacial injuries and improve communication with pediatric patients and their families.