Traumatic dental injuries represent a significant global concern for dental health in both children and adults. Despite the fact that the oral cavity accounts for only 1% of the total body surface, injuries in this region constitute 4.5% of all bodily injuries. According to statistics, approximately one-third of children with primary teeth and onefifth of adults experience dental trauma, with 85% of dental trauma cases involving teeth specifically. The most common types of injuries include crown fractures, avulsions, and tooth subluxations.
The development of chronic complications following traumatic dental injuries is of particular concern, with ankylotic resorption, inflammatory root resorption, and pulp necrosis being the most frequently observed. The absence of standardized treatment protocols and reliable methods for predicting complications remains a critical issue, demanding further attention from the scientific community.
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in healing is essential for the development of effective treatment strategies. The receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) system and its ligand (RANKL), which regulate bone remodeling, have garnered significant attention. In the oral cavity, the RANK/RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system controls tooth eruption, root resorption, and odontoclastogenesis. Imbalances in this system can lead to pathological conditions such as periodontitis and pathological root resorption.
Recent studies indicate that osteoclast activation in the oral cavity primarily occurs due to inflammatory processes associated with caries, orthodontic tooth movement, and dental trauma. This suggests a potential key role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway in post-traumatic dental recovery. However, research on the status of this system across various types of trauma remains insufficient.
Prompt access to dental care is a critical factor in preserving the tooth and preventing complications. Early intervention reduces the risk of pulp necrosis, inflammatory processes, and pathological root destruction. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help avoid complex procedures, shorten therapy duration, and lower treatment costs.
Ensuring proper oral hygiene after trauma is equally important, as the accumulation of dental biofilm can lead to secondary complications. One of the key steps in treatment is the immobilization of damaged teeth through splinting. However, the success of this procedure depends on meticulous adherence to hygiene in the splinted area, which requires individualized recommendations and regular monitoring.
Despite the existence of international protocols, such as the IADT guidelines and Standards of medical care "Dentoalveolar trauma" their implementation in Ukraine remains limited. An effective method of preventing complications is public awareness. In developed countries, accessible materials and mobile applications, such as Tooth SOS, offer step-by-step instructions for managing dental trauma.
Raising awareness among children, parents, and healthcare professionals about the importance of prompt dental care is a key factor in reducing the risk of complications and improving the quality of life for patients. Large-scale informational campaigns can not only decrease the frequency of complications but also promote the adoption of modern treatment protocols.
