Pediatric traumatic dental injuries in rural Pennsylvania: a 9-year retrospective review
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Purpose
Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where limited access to dental care and unique risk factors contribute to injury prevalence. This study analyzed the epidemiology of pediatric TDIs in rural Central Pennsylvania over a nine-year period to identify common TDI types and etiologies, examine demographic and seasonal trends, explore gender differences, and inform preventive strategies to improve emergency dental care access.
Methods
A retrospective review of electronic health records from 268 pediatric patients (ages 6 months to 17 years) who presented with TDIs at Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency department between July 2010 and July 2019 was conducted. Variables including age, gender, injury etiology, season, and diagnosis were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05).
Results
Of the 268 patients, 171 were male (63.8%), with a mean age of 11.9 years. A total of 350 orofacial injuries were recorded, with uncomplicated crown fractures (25.7%) and avulsions (18.6%) being most common. Males were more affected, particularly in summer (41.8%), with falls (21.9%) and sports-related activities (20.0%) as leading causes. The most frequently injured teeth were #E (20.4%) in primary dentition and #9 (38.6%) in permanent dentition.
Conclusions
This study highlights the multifactorial nature of pediatric TDIs in rural settings, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive measures, especially among male adolescents. Key recommendations include promoting the use of protective gear during high-risk activities, enforcing safety regulations for recreational equipment, and improving access to emergency dental care.
