Morphologic and developmental disturbances of permanent teeth following trauma to primary dentition in a selected group of Maltese children

Objective: This study investigated the effects of trauma to primary teeth, related by age at the time of injury and type of injury sustained, to the frequency and type of developmental disturbances in the permanent successor teeth in a representative population of Maltese children. Method and Materials: Thirty-two children with 67 traumatized primary teeth were examined and any developmental disturbances of the corresponding permanent teeth recorded. Results: Altogether, 52.2% of the permanent teeth exhibited developmental disturbances following trauma to their primary predecessors. The highest frequency of malformations was found following subluxation injuries. Intrusion injuries were associated with the most severe malformations. Age at the time of trauma to the primary dentition was a principal factor in the risk and severity of malformations developing in the permanent successors. Conclusion: The extent of malformation of the developing tooth germ was highly related to its developmental stage and to the severity and type of trauma sustained by the primary incisor. Keywords: dental trauma, developmental disturbances, permanent incisor, primary dentition, sequelae