Radiographic analysis of traumatized primary teeth / Análise radiográfica da dentição decídua após traumatismo alveolodentário

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of radiographic findings in primary teeth, as well as theirsupporting tissues, following dental trauma, and the occurrence of sequelae according to the trauma type.One radiograph was taken soon after the trauma, and two follow-up radiographs, with approximately sixmonth intervals between each, were taken of 116 traumatized teeth from 65 patients at the Pelotas DentistrySchool in Pelotas, Santa Catarina, Brazil. One hundred and ninety-five radiographs were analyzed to evaluatetooth position, periodontal ligament space, root integrity, alveolar bone, and root canal aspects. Data wereshown in the form of absolute and percentage frequencies. The Wilcoxon test (p<0.05) was used to detectdifferences in the images. The widening of the periodontal ligament and pathological root resorption, althoughwith different evolutions, represented the most frequent findings. In the first radiograph, 35.6% of the teethwere diagnosed as presenting a widening of the periodontal ligament, as compared to 15.1% in the finalradiograph. Pathological root resorption varied from 9.6% in the first radiograph to 35.8% in the final exam.Whereas alveolar bone resorption prevailed in intrusion cases and root canal obliteration in concussion/subluxation cases, tooth displacement occurred most often in intrusion and lateral luxation/extrusion cases.Concussion, subluxation, and intrusion were the conditions which were most often associated with sequelaeduring this sample’s period of analysis. Radiographic sequelae resulting from alveolodental trauma in theprimary dentition tend to vary. Identifying radiographic findings and relating them to the type of trauma canaid the professional in defining the prognosis and a proper treatment plan.