Consequences of dental trauma to the primary teeth on the permanent dentition

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dental trauma to primary teeth or to the jaws may cause disorders on the development of permanent successor teeth. The alterations may either occur at the time of accident or be caused by post-traumatic consequences. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present cases of alterations on permanent dentition following dental trauma to primary teeth. Case reports: Three cases are presented in this paper. The severity of the post-traumatic sequels shown by the permanent teeth kept a direct relationship with the extent of the impact and patient's age at the accident. These sequels resulted in whitish or brownish opacities, enamel hypoplasia, root dilacerations, and total arrest of root development. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the protocols for patients who had experienced dental trauma must observe a systematic clinical and radiographic follow-up as well as alternatives of treatment for the primary and permanent teeth involved. Prognostics and treatments related to the sequels in permanent teeth may be obtained from a close analysis of clinical and radiographic aspects, avoiding more damages to the stomatognathic system. The severity of the sequels is directly related to the degree of permanent tooth formation (child's age), type of dental trauma and extent of the impact.