The impact of tooth avulsion on daily life performance using the Brazilian OIDP index in children and young adults

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of orofacial damages is an emerging branch in the forensic sciences, specifically in the forensic odontology and medicine. One of the major limitations during the evaluation of forensic orofacial damages is to establish the consolidation date of acquired lesions. The consolidation date consists of the moment from which orofacial damages are considered irreversible. Aim: To stress the relevance of knowing the consolidation date in children who underwent orofacial trauma, prior to enhance forensic expertises on the evaluation of dentomaxillofacial damages. Material and methods: Ninety-six patients, aged between 11 and 31 years old, treated at the dental clinics of the Federal University of Goias, Brasil, were selected for forensic orofacial evaluation. All the patients presented at least one traumatically avulsed tooth and a temporary partial denture. Results: The mean age for the traumatic avulsion was of 10,3 years old. The mean time for the placement of prosthesis was of 2,9 years after the initial consultation. The mean time for the use of prosthesis was during 2,2 years. No significant differences were observed regarding orofacial damage outcomes between patients younger or older than 18 years of age. It was observed that patients using temporary removable partial dentures presented 3,6 more chances to develop socially impactful sequels if compared to the patients using temporary fixed partial dentures. Conclusion: Knowing the consolidation date of orofacial damages in forehand enables to predict potential development of social sequels in children and adolescents who underwent traumatic dental avulsion.