Dental injuries in pediatric patients with facial fractures are frequent and severe.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to identify the occurrence, type, location, and severity of dental injuries (DIs), as well as predictors for DIs, in pediatric patients with facial fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined the files of patients aged 16 years or less who had sustained facial fractures during a 12-year period. The outcome variable was DI. The explanatory variables included gender, age, trauma mechanism, and type of facial fracture. Data analysis was carried out with the χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 200 patients, 119 (59.5%) of whom were boys, met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 12.6 years. A total of 45 patients (22.5%) had DIs. Crown fracture, the most common type of DI, occurred in 59.9% of all DIs. The most common location of crown fractures was in the premolars (37.4% of all crown fractures). Multiple DIs occurred in 71.1% of those with DIs and severe DI in 66.7%. DIs were significantly associated with motor vehicle collision (MVC) (P = .02) and mandibular fracture (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS: DIs are common in pediatric patients with facial fracture, often being both multiple and severe. In association with pediatric facial fracture, facial surgeons should be especially alert for crown fractures in the lateral parts of the jaws.