This summary is based on the article published in the journal of Dental Traumatology: Dental trauma in patients with maxillofacial fractures (August 2013)
Hai-Hua Zhou, Qi Liu, Rong-Tao Yang, and Zu-Bing Li from the State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Hai-Hua Zhou, Qi Liu, Rong-Tao Yang, and Zu-Bing Li from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
David Ongodia from the State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
The study examined and analyzed the relationship between dental injuries and the pattern of maxillofacial fractures. The study also investigated the association between age, gender, trauma mechanism, and the type of maxillofacial fracture.
The study examined cases of 1131 patients with facial fractures and which were registered between January 2000 and December 2009. Of these, 473 presented with associated dental trauma.
Key Findings
- The central incisor was the most injured tooth for both the maxilla and mandible.
- The most common type of dental injury was avulsion.
- More anterior teeth in the maxilla were of crown fracture, avulsion, and intrusion than that in the mandible, whereas more anterior teeth in the mandible were of subluxation and concussion than that in the maxilla.
- Dental injuries were more prone to occur in patients who sustained only symphysis fractures compared with a minimal increased risk in patients who sustained only mandible angle fracture.
- There is an average of 4.7 injured teeth per patient; therefore, it is important to carefully examine the dental status in every patient presenting with maxillofacial fractures.
- Road traffic accidents were the most frequently cited cause of dental injury.
- Fall from height presented the highest risk of dental injuries.
The study concluded that the occurrence of dental trauma is significantly related to the pattern and position of the maxillofacial fractures.