Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Reattached Tooth Fragments Restored Using Fiber-reinforced Composites: A Systematic Review.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: This systematic review examined the current literature to evaluate the fracture resistance of the tooth fragments reattached using fiber-reinforced composites (FRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant articles to be included until January 2023. Articles with full text available in the English language for randomized control studies, observational studies, retrospective studies, and in vitro studies conducted on permanent human teeth were selected. The risk of bias was assessed in all studies using the OHAT tool. RESULTS: Out of 16 search results, seven in vitro studies with a total of 415 samples were included in the review. Three studies reported that reinforcement using rigid FRC posts improves fracture resistance of reattached anterior teeth, three studies reported that reinforcement using flexible fiber bundles enhances the fracture strength of reattached posterior teeth and one study reported that the use of flexible polyethylene fibers improves fracture resistance in molars with reattached cusps. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the studies included in the review, there is low-quality evidence that reinforcement of reattached fragments using FRC posts or fibers improves fracture resistance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The reattached fractured fragments may be susceptible to re-fracture. The use of FRC to reinforce the resin composite used for reattachment may enhance the bond strength and increase resistance to fracture. How to cite this article: Albar NHM. Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Reattached Tooth Fragments Restored Using Fiber-reinforced Composites: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):605-615.

Total Pulpotomy Using a Newer Mineral Trioxide Aggregate for Managing Complicated Crown Fractures in Mature Permanent Incisors: A Case Report.

Crown fractures with pulp exposure in mature permanent teeth present a challenging situation that requires immediate attention. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a sealing material after pulpotomy has proven to be a reliable treatment in these cases compared to traditional root canal therapy. This case report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and careful treatment planning for complicated crown fractures and concussion injuries in a mature permanent incisor of a young child. Total pulpotomy using MTA has proven to be an effective treatment for fractures in young mature incisors with pulp exposure, as evidenced by a one-year follow-up in our case, which showed no discoloration.

Dental education in nursing schools: A pan-Canadian study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gather data on Canadian nursing programs regarding oral health curriculum and attitudes towards oral health curriculum to evaluate the level of oral health education in nursing programs and provide a reference for understanding dental and oral health in the nursing field. METHODS: Data to inform models for oral health curriculum in nursing were collected through an online survey using a secured google form. The web-based questionnaire examined main aspects of dental and oral health in nursing educational institutions. Eligibility criteria for this study included faculty members of an accredited nursing program in Canada. RESULTS: Of the 76 institutions approached, a total of 47 nursing faculty members from 35 nursing programs responded to the online survey. The vast majority (85.1 %) of the participants stated they believe oral health should be taught within nursing programs. Relating to the current curriculum, 70.2 % of the respondents stated their institution currently teaches anatomy relating to the oral cavity, but only 38.3 % reported their institution implemented oral diseases and pathology into the curriculum. Moreover, 48.9 % of the participants noted that dental screening was not covered in the nursing curriculum; 27.7 % of the respondents stated that their institution implemented education regarding gum disease, 25.5 % noted implementing education regarding oral cancer and oral lesions screening. Overall, 80.9 % of the participants noted that future nurses should be educated about oral cancer and disease prevention. However, in order to implement dental and oral health curriculums, participants noted certain needs such as time to implement curriculum (87.2 %) and more knowledge about the topic (83 %). CONCLUSIONS: There is a current lack of content regarding dental and oral health in the curriculum of nursing programs throughout Canada. Due to this deficiency, many nursing graduates lack general knowledge about various aspects of dental and oral health.

Adaptation and Biomechanical Performance of Custom-Fit Mouthguards Produced Using Conventional and Digital Workflows: A Comparative In Vitro Strain Analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The use of different models for the fabrication of custom-fit mouthguards (MTGs) can affect their final thickness, adaptation, and shock-absorption properties. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptation, thickness, and shock absorption of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) thermoplastic MTGs produced using conventional plaster or three-dimensional (3D) printed models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A typical model with simulated soft gum tissue was used as the reference model to produce MTGs with the following two different protocols: plast-MTG using a conventional impression and plaster model (n = 10) and 3DPr-MTG using a digital scanning and 3D printed model (n = 10). A custom-fit MTG was fabricated using EVA sheets (Bioart) plasticized over different models. The MTG thickness (mm), internal adaptation (mm) to the typodontic model, and voids in the area (mm2) between the two EVA layers were measured using cone-beam computed tomography images and Mimics software (Materialize). The shock absorption of the MTG was measured using a strain-gauge test with a pendulum impact at 30° with a steel ball over the typodont model with and without MTGs. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests. RESULTS: The 3DPr-MTG showed better adaptation than that of the Plast-MTG at the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces (p < 0.001). The 3DPr-MTG showed a thickness similar to that of the Plast-MTG, irrespective of the measured location. MTGs produced using both model types significantly reduced the strain values during horizontal impact (3DPr-MTG 86.2% and Plast-MTG 87.0%) compared with the control group without MTG (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MTGs showed the required standards regarding thickness, adaptation, and biomechanical performance, suggesting that the number and volume of voids had no significant impact on their functionality. Three-dimensional printed models are a viable alternative for MTG production, providing better adaptation than the Plast-MTG at the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces and similar performance as the MTG produced with the conventional protocol.

Relationship Between Dental Trauma and Orthostatic Balance in Children.

BACKGROUND: Dental trauma (DT) and falls have shown to be associated. On the other hand, postural balance is associated with falls and depends on the integration of the body's regulatory systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between DT and alteration of orthostatic balance in children. METHODS: This was a population-based case-control study involving 296 six-year-old schoolchildren. The case group included children with previous history of DT. The control group included children with no previous history of DT. Stabilometric measurements were the main exposure of this study. Logistic regression analyzes were performed to estimate potential differences in terms of chance of occurrence. RESULTS: The cases reviewed showed a 4.37 times chance of reduced balance in the measurement of the anteroposterior trajectory speed of the orthostatic center of pressure (COP), when children had their eyes closed. It also presented a chance of 3.06 times reduced balance in the measurement of the orthostatic center of pressure latero-lateral sway, with children with open eyes and stepping on a foam pad, and 4.00 times of reduced balance in the width of the latero-lateral sway of the orthostatic center of pressure, with children with open eyes and stepping on a foam pad. CONCLUSION: Children with previous history of DT showed a higher chance of experiencing a reduced orthostatic balance in different conditions when compared to children without the occurrence of trauma.

Risk of Healing Complications Following Alveolar Process Fractures in the Primary Dentition: A Retrospective Clinical Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Alveolar bone process fractures in preschool children are not well documented in the literature. Alveolar process fractures are located very close to primary teeth and permanent tooth germs. This study investigates the risk of healing complications following alveolar process fractures in the primary dentition and potential sequelae in the permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 21 patients with 49 primary teeth involved in an alveolar fracture. The follow-up protocol included clinical and radiographic examinations at specified intervals up to the age of 6 years. Healing complications in the primary teeth such as pulp necrosis, pulp canal obliteration, ankylosis, infection-related resorption and premature tooth loss were examined. Sequelae in the permanent dentition was also registered when the permanent incisors had erupted. RESULTS: Over a 3-year follow-up, the incidence of premature tooth loss was 51.2% [95% CI: 34.1%-68.4%], pulp canal obliteration was 42.5% [95% CI: 27.1%-57.8%], and pulp necrosis was 8.9% [95% CI: 0.6%-17.3%] following an alveolar process fracture. No cases of ankylosis were observed. Sequelae in the permanent dentition primarily included demarcated opacities and hypoplasia with a risk estimated at 24% [95% CI: 13%-39%] and 9% [95% CI: 2%-21%] respectively. CONCLUSION: Alveolar process fractures in primary dentition are associated with several healing complications in the primary teeth. Although the likelihood of severe complications in the permanent dentition is low, young children are still susceptible to developing sequelae in their permanent teeth. These results highlight the importance of awareness of dental injuries following alveolar process bone fractures in the primary dentition.

Traumatic Dental Injuries among Adolescents and Young Adults in Iași, Romania: Legal and Medical Perspectives.

Adolescents and young adults' active lifestyles make dental trauma a significant medical concern. AIM: This study aims to assess the etiology, frequency, and localization of dental and periodontal trauma in adolescents and young adults, along with these individuals' predisposition based on age, gender, and residence. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 109 adolescents and young adults from a database of the Emergency and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital, Iasi, Romania. The collected data included demographic details, mechanisms of dental and periodontal trauma, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, with comparisons based on age, gender, and residence. RESULTS: Enamel fractures (23.9%) and enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (20.2%) were the most frequent dental injuries. Concussion (58.7%), subluxation (21.1%), luxation, avulsion (7.3%), and extrusion (5.5%) were common periodontal injuries. The anterior region of the dental arch accounted for the majority (60.6%) of injuries. Adolescents under 17 years were more prone to enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (23.8%), enamel-dentin fractures with pulp exposure (20.6%), and root fractures (20.6%), while young adults over 18 years had a higher incidence of enamel fractures (32.6%) and crown-root fractures (30.4%). Falls (66.7%) were the predominant cause of trauma for female patients, whereas male patients were more often injured during sports activities (49.3%). The younger age group was 0.29 times more likely to sustain enamel-dentin fractures without pulp exposure (p = 0.049, OR = 0.291) and root fractures (p = 0.047, OR = 0.241). CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic dental injuries are more prevalent in young adults compared to adolescents, with falls and sports activities being the most common causes, particularly among males. These findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive programs aimed at reducing the incidence of dento-periodontal trauma in these age groups.

Oral Cavity Cancer Secondary to Dental Trauma: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: Oral cavity cancer represents the most common site of origin of head and neck mucosal malignancies. A few limited studies have suggested that chronic irritation, particularly in non-healing ulcers, and fibrotic tissue from poor dentition or ill-fitting dentures had a role in developing mouth cancer. This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing evidence concerning Oral Cavicty Cancer (OCC) in non-smokers/non-drinkers and the relationship with dental trauma. (2) Methods: A scoping review of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was completed in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. (3) Results: Of the 33 articles that met inclusion, in 6 of them authors discussed the role of topography in dental trauma, in 11 articles authors discussed the carcinogenesis mechanism involved in chronic mucosal trauma, in 17 articles data on ill-fitting dentures was included, 4 studies dealt with the effect of broken/sharp teeth on mucosal damage, and in 7 studies the role of oral hygiene was covered. Less frequently discussed topics included gender, risk of neck nodes, and the role of potentially malignant oral disorders. (4) Conclusions: The available literature suggests a potential connection between chronic dental trauma and the development of OCC. Studies have highlighted factors such as denture use and ill-fitting dental appliances as contributors to an increased risk of oral cancer. Interestingly, we still miss data to support the hypothesis that women, particularly those without toxic habits like smoking or alcohol consumption, appear to be disproportionately affected by oral cancer related to chronic dental trauma.

Retained Primary Teeth and Their Complication and Treatment: A Case Report.

In dentistry, over-retained deciduous teeth pose a distinct issue due to their endurance during the expected exfoliation period. This case study describes a clinical situation with a male patient who is seven years old and complaining of painful swelling over the maxillary anterior region of the jaw and clinically showing dark red-colored, firm, non-tender, purulent swelling extending from alveolar mucosa of the upper anterior to the gingival margin of the 51, 52, 53 region. The treatment plan includes the extraction of the primary teeth. This case report also highlights the importance of minimal surgical intervention for treating peri-radicular cysts to minimize healing time and damage to the underlying developing permanent tooth.

Permanent tooth avulsions: A retrospective analysis of the demographics and aetiology of cases at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.

This retrospective analysis reviewed the demographics of patients sustaining dental avulsion injuries at a tertiary dental hospital in Sydney, Australia. Data were extracted from dental records of patients who presented with avulsed permanent anterior teeth and were treated between 1 January 2001 and 30 June 2021. Demographic, clinical and radiographic data from 91 patients with 117 avulsed permanent anterior teeth were available for analysis. The median age of the patients was 12 years (IQR 9.0-17.0). Males accounted for 68.4% of avulsion injuries. Non-organised sports were the most common cause of injury (42.7%). Maxillary central incisors were the most frequently avulsed tooth (83.3%). Peak prevalence of injuries occurred on the weekend. The findings from this study may reflect regional factors such as climate and participation in sport. Anticipatory guidance should be provided to patients at elevated risk of dental avulsion.

To Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Dental Trauma and Its Management among School Teachers.

Background: Dental traumas, particularly tooth avulsion, represent a significant dental emergency among children, frequently occurring in schools. The knowledge and immediate response of schoolteachers are crucial for the prognosis of such emergencies. Materials and Methods: This interventional study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of 248 primary school teachers in Rajasthan, India, regarding dental trauma management. Utilizing a questionnaire-based approach, the study was conducted in three phases: preintervention assessment, an informative 45-minute lecture, and a postintervention follow-up. Statistical significance was set at 5%, and the Chi-square test was employed for analysis. Results: The initial survey revealed a lack of knowledge among teachers regarding dental trauma management, with significant improvement observed in the follow-up phase post intervention. Over 90% of participants showed improved knowledge, with statistical significance (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The study highlights a notable deficiency in school teachers' knowledge on dental trauma management initially, which significantly improved following an oral health promotion intervention. This underscores the effectiveness of educational programs in enhancing the management of dental emergencies by schoolteachers.

Dental damage: Creating 3D anatomical models to illustrate destructive effects on human teeth.

Forensic odontologists often must identify human remains with damaged teeth. This damage is due to high-impact accidents, violence, or disasters. This 2-part study aimed to create two 3D digital models. They should show the destructive effects of physical and chemical agents on human teeth and popular dental materials. Researchers created an e-survey to investigate how digital models are perceived as an educational tool for Forensic Odontology. Also, a systematic review assessed experimental studies on the effects of high temperature on various prosthodontic materials. According to the results of the survey, most participants (n=69; 79%) agreed that they would find a 3D model useful for training. Participants misidentify images of burned and broken teeth under Ellis and Davey system (1970). The systematic review identified dental implant and dental crown as the most studied prosthodontic materials exposed to heat. The researchers designed dental damage model 1 to represent restored and unrestored burnt teeth, postmortem pink teeth, and traumatic injuries. The dental damage model 2 was created to demonstrate the effects of various types of damage to different prosthetic and restorative dental materials, as well as the impact of acid, water, and burial on restorative materials as additional information. Both models were edited, sculpted and painted using 3D modelling software ZBrush (2020. 1.4) and Blender (version 3.6.2). The dental damage models were uploaded and labelled on Sketchfab (Cédric Pinson, Paris, France). The study's materials could transform the teaching of complex tooth changes.

[The use of mineral trioxide aggregate for treatment of children with complications of dental trauma]. / Primenenie mineral trioksid agregata dlya lecheniya detei s oslozhneniyami travmy postoyannykh zubov.

THE AIM: Jf the study was to assess the efficacy of mineral trioxide aggregate for treatment of children with complicated permanent teeth trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 29 children aged 6-13 years (mean age 8.6±1.7 years) with 36 injured constant teeth, from which 30 had immature roots, 27 (75%) teeth had necrotic pulp at baseline examination, 12 (33.3%) teeth showed radiological signs of external imflammatory root resorbtion, 2 teeth were diagnosed with of the root fracture (5.6%). MTA was used for pulp regeneration procedure in 25 (69.5%) teeth, external closure of resorbtion site in 3 (8.3%) teeth, root canal filling in 4 (11.1%) teeth, apical plug creation in 4 teeth (11.1%). The patients were folowed up for 1 to 9 years. RESULTS: From 36 teeth only one was extracted 9 years after regenerative endodontic procedure because of cervical root fracture. In 2 teeth with external imflammatory resorbtion progession of replacement resorption took place, in 1 tooth necrosis of regenerated pulp tissue occurred 2 years after the procedure because of restoration marginal seal failure. In 25 teeth favorable outcome was registered with stabilisation of external root resorbtion, continous root growth in 24 teeth and radioluscent lesions healing in 6 teeht showing them at baseline examination. Change of external imflammator root resorbtion to replacement resorption was detected in 1 teeth from 3 with external closure of resorbtion site. Root calan filling with MTA was performed in 3 avulsed teeth with replantation delayed for more than 1 day and in 1 tooth with root fracture. All teeth were clinically asymptomatic during more than 5 years follow-up. Favorable outcome was received in all cases of apicl plug formation. CONCLUSION: MTA is highly effective for preservation of constant teeth in children with clinically complicated situations. In many cases with hopeless long-term prognosis for a teeth MTA allows stabilization of dental tissue level with the teeth being an object for guided tissue regeneration.

Different Approaches to the Treatment of Anterior Tooth Fractures: Three Clinical Cases and Behavior Report.

Fractures of the anterior teeth are a common form of dental trauma. This article includes three case reports of uncomplicated fractures of upper anterior teeth in which collaborators had different treatment protocols. The choice of the treatment method is based on the direction of the specific clinical case and the clinical findings. Of great importance to the treatment approach are the measures taken by the patient to preserve the fractured fragment, the age of the fracture, and the time available to patients and clinicians. When the fractured fragment is available and is well-preserved, the best approach is to fix it to the crown of the tooth. This protocol is extremely fast and inexpensive, with minimal potential for problems in esthetics and function. In the absence of the fractured fragment, the treatment approaches are different, as described in cases 2 and 3. If the patient or the clinician is unable to make a repeat visit, the restoration is carried out using a freehand technique. Protocols involving fracture repair using composite materials are more labor-intensive. Esthetic complications are often observed, which may be due to wrong determined shade, loss of luster, and change over the years in the color of the restoration, as well as fracture of the restoration. With advances in dentistry, these disadvantages have been minimized.

Dissimilar Sequelae Caused by Single Dental Trauma: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow-up.

Immediate care and accurate diagnosis are essential for treating dental trauma. This report presents a 7-year-old boy suffered a bicycle accident with direct trauma to the mouth and extrusive luxation of teeth #11 and #21. The emergency treatment was performed within the first hour. Clinical examinations showed that both teeth exhibited 3 mm extrusion from comparing their incisal edges to their neighboring teeth, had edematous gingiva, showed grade 3 mobility and were painful to percussion. Radiographic exams showed incomplete root formation, widened periodontal spaces along their entire lengths and absence of bone or root fractures. The treatment consisted of immediate repositioning and semi-rigid splinting. After 15 days, tooth #11 exhibited no clinical signor symptom and tooth #21 was diagnosed with pulp necrosis, with an acute dentoalveolar abscess and intraoral edema. Immediate endodontic treatment was initiated (intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide paste). At 30 days, another pulp sensibility test was performed on tooth #11, which had a negative response. In the same visit, the intracanal dressing of tooth #21 was replaced. The Ca(OH)2 medication was replaced every 6 months until the formation of an apical barrier. The final dressing consisted of gutta-percha and Grossman's sealer and was placed two and a half years after the first dressing appointment. The extrusive luxation resulted in two different sequelae: complete root obliteration in tooth #11 and anomalous root development after the formation of an apical barrier in tooth #21. The patient received orthodontic treatment after 6 years from the initial treatment with no negative outcome. After 18 years follow-up, both teeth were stabilized with no symptom or sign. It's important to follow the evolution of every trauma case continuously because the sequelae can be unpredictable.

Biogenic Tooth-Integrated Fixed Functional Space Maintainer for Pediatric Use: A Novel Approach.

Preschoolers frequently experience traumatic dental injuries, particularly during their two to four years of life. The majority of these injuries result in tooth avulsion because of the alveolar bone resiliency around the primary teeth. This study explains an instance of damage sustained during play that resulted in an early knockout of the primary incisor. Hence, a biogenic tooth-integrated space maintainer was created using the natural crown of the traumatized tooth, and the child was asked to come for a regular follow-up. This treatment may be viewed as a great alternative for natural aesthetic rehabilitation as it promotes speech development, improves oral cleanliness, restores aesthetics and masticatory function, and inhibits the development of aberrant tongue habits and malocclusions.

Management of oblique root fracture in the middle third of two maxillary immature central incisors with severe caries in mixed dentitions: a case report.

Mid-root fractures are rare injuries in young permanent teeth and tend to have poor prognoses. This study presents a case of oblique root fracture of both maxillary immature central incisors in the middle third accompanied by delayed dental visit and severe caries of all primary teeth. After restoring all the primary and permanent teeth that needed stabilization, the coronal fragments were repositioned and stabilized with a flexible splint consisting of orthodontic wire and composite resin. A comprehensive and sequential dental treatment for other oral diseases and oral hygiene instructions were provided. A 16-month follow-up revealed that the two injured young permanent incisors were healed, surrounded by hard tissues and continued to grow both in length of the root and thickness of the root canal wall, with significant improvement in oral hygiene. Based on the outcome of this case, initial stabilization without endodontic therapy could be considered a successful treatment modality for young permanent teeth with oblique root fracture due to the growth of fractured teeth with vital pulp and the maintenance of natural dentition.

Oral health status of Dutch Armed Forces recruits in the years 2000, 2010 and 2020, a retrospective repeated cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on oral health status of adults are sparse and rarely include data on endodontic treatment and trauma. In the military, those data are available because recruits are routinely assessed with a clinical and radiological examination at the start of their career. This study aimed to identify differences in oral health status of Dutch Armed Forces recruits between cohorts, departments, sex, age and rank, with DMF-T, endodontic treatment and dental trauma as outcome measures. METHODS: Data from Electronic Patient Files from all recruits enlisted in 2000, 2010 and 2020 were used for analysis in a hurdle model resulting in the estimated cohort effect, controlled for the demographic variables. The total number of recruits was 5,764. Due to the retrospective character of the study a proxy was used to compose D-T and dental trauma. RESULTS: The mean DMF-T number in recruits decreases from 5.3 in cohort 2000 to 4.13 in cohort 2010 and 3.41 in cohort 2020. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth increases from 6% in cohort 2000 to respectively 9% in 2010 and 8% in 2020. The percentage of recruits showing signs of dental trauma did not change significantly between cohort 2000 (3.1%) and cohort 2010 and 2020 (both 2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral health in Armed Forces recruits is improving over the years, following a similar trend as the general population in the Netherlands. Lower SES represented by enlisted rank showed substantial lower oral health status.

Be Qui Vive: Unravel the Mystery of Undiagnosed for Better Prognosis.

Foreign bodies may access the oral cavity by trauma or iatrogenically. Iatrogenic foreign bodies that are frequently encountered include amalgam, obturation materials, shattered equipment, needles, broken teeth, and so on. Impaction of a tooth or bone fragment in the soft tissues is one type of dental trauma. When foreign bodies are found in the teeth, it's a highly grave scenario that requires prompt diagnosis. Thorough case histories, clinical assessments, and radiographic analyses are required to draw conclusions regarding the type, dimensions, location, and challenge of the foreign body retrieval. Due to the well-known tendency of children to put foreign objects in their mouths, it is more frequently observed in them. From time to time, children get strange items lodged in their teeth, which they are afraid to tell their parents about. These foreign objects might store possible infections, which could eventually result in a painful condition. This paper discusses the presence of unusual foreign bodies-a broken pencil and tooth fragment-and their management. How to cite this article: Kaul B, Gulbar S, Gupta A, et al. Be Qui Vive: Unravel the Mystery of Undiagnosed for Better Prognosis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):501-509.

Family structure and social vulnerability as risk factors for traumatic dental injuries in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between family structure and social vulnerability with TDIs in children and adolescents. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) to retrieve observational studies that evaluated the prevalence of TDIs. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Meta-analyses were also conducted using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Out of 7,424 records, seventeen articles were included (n = 18,806 children and adolescents aged between 0 and 19 years). Only two studies had a low risk of bias. Children and adolescents from nonnuclear families were more likely to suffer from TDIs (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.17; 1.66). On the other hand, the level of social vulnerability did not show a positive association with TDIs (OR - 1.21; 95% CI: 1.00; 1.47). The GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence as low. CONCLUSION: Despite the uncertainty of the evidence, children and adolescents from nonnuclear families are more likely to have TDIs than are those from nuclear families. On the other hand, social vulnerability does not seem to be associated with episodes of TDIs in children and adolescents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Through knowledge of the risk factors for TDIs, it is possible to develop public policies for their prevention.