Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a major public health concern, particularly affecting anterior teeth due to their prominent position. While global prevalence ranges from 6 to 59%, limited epidemiological data exist for Mysuru district, Karnataka, India. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of traumatic injuries to anterior teeth and associated factors in patients reporting to a tertiary care center in Mysuru city. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March to July 2022 at JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru. Of 3,885 patients examined, 300 patients aged 14-60 years with anterior teeth trauma were included using convenience sampling. Data collection involved validated questionnaires, clinical examinations, and radiographic assessments. TDIs were classified according to Andreasen criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI was 7.72% with a patient: tooth ratio of 1:2.5. The mean age of TDI was 29.27 ± 10.74 years, and males predominated (67.7%). Two-wheeler accidents were the leading cause (24.7%). Maxillary teeth were affected 8 times more than mandibular teeth (89.4% vs 10.6%). Central incisors showed the highest injury rates. Enamel-dentin fractures were most common (35%), followed by enamel fractures (25%). Only 21.7% sought immediate treatment, with significant treatment delays observed. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals concerning patterns of TDI prevalence and delayed treatment seeking behavior. These findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies, public awareness campaigns, and immediate treatment protocols to improve outcomes in this population.