Traumatic injuries to permanent teeth among Swedish school children living in a rural area.

Traumatic dental injuries in children and adolescents are a common problem, and several studies have shown that the prevalence of these injuries is increasing. The aim of this study was to make a cross-sectional investigation of all traumatized permanent teeth in children living in a rural area and to estimate the time required for each treatment. Patient records from all children aged between 7 and 17 years living in the district of Boxholm were examined. Patients with documentation concerning any traumatic injury were invited to an examination and interview. The following variables were examined: age, sex, etiology, organized sport activity, type of injury, treatment, number of dental visits, and time utilized for dental care. Dental injuries were recorded in 11.7% (88) of children (63% boys, 37% girls) and prevalence was highest in the 8-12 year-old age group for boys (75%) and the 7-9 year-old age group for girls (63%). The most frequent etiological factors were collision during play, and falling over. In boys, 10% of all dental injuries were caused by violence. Simple enamel fractures of maxillary central incisors were the most common type of injury. The mean treatment time was 74 minutes for each trauma incident, and in 35% of cases, only one dental visit was required. It was concluded that the frequency of traumatic dental injuries in a rural area is lower than in urban areas.