Get Permission Guiguimdé, Garé, Bayala, Kaboré, and Konsem: Alveolo-dental trauma: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo


Introduction

Alveolar-dental trauma (ADT) is defined as local lesions caused by the violent action of an external agent on the dental arch, generally associated with partial or total dislocation of a tooth or group of teeth, with the exception of para-physiological trauma.1, 2 These TADs are very often associated with maxillofacial trauma, which may be isolated or associated with other localizations, presenting integumentary or skeletal lesions.3 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of ADD is high in Africa, particularly in poor communities, and the situation is set to worsen in the coming years.4 In Burkina Faso, ADD is one of the most frequent and urgent reasons for odontological consultations.5, 6 It seems clear, however, that the incidence and prevalence of TAB are significantly underestimated. In fact, when treating polytrauma patients, the priority is to treat life-threatening injuries, and dental lesions are taken into account secondarily. Alveolodental trauma takes a wide variety of clinical forms, impacting facial aesthetics, dental occlusion and masticatory function, but rarely threatening life. Their morphological and functional consequences can be considerable if left untreated. Technical facilities are obsolete, making it difficult to treat them, which is why prevention is so important. Against this backdrop, we set out to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of these conditions in the Department of Odontostomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo (CHU-YO), with a view to improving the effectiveness of treatment.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with retrospective collection, in the Department of Odonto-stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at CHU-Y, over a one-year period from: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. All patients with a diagnosis of alveolar-dental trauma treated at CHUYO and with a usable clinical record and consultation form were included in the study. Data were collected using a specially designed data collection form. Variables studied included sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, profession, place of residence), etiological aspects (road traffic accident, sports accident, brawl, domestic accident, fall from height), clinical aspects (consultation time, oral examination) and therapeutic aspects (type of treatment, evolution and type of complications). Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info 7 software, French version 7.2.2.6.

Results

Epidemiological data

A total of 100 patients meeting the inclusion criteria during the study period were identified, with an average monthly incidence of TAD of 8.33 cases and a peak incidence of 25 cases (25%) in December (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Monthly change in number of TADs (n=100)

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/3ef284dc-bac3-4414-83aa-65f059c20aed-uimage.png

Socio-demographic data

Males accounted for 64% of cases, with a sex ratio of 1.77. The age range [15 to 30 years] represented 51%. The extremes ranged from 3 to 64 years. The average age was 26.27. The informal sector accounted for 41% of patients and pupils/students for 30%; 62% of patients lived in urban areas. Table 1 shows the patients' socio-demographic characteristics.

Clinical and paraclinical data

Circumstances of occurrence

Eighty-four cases (84%) of TADs were due to road traffic accidents (RTAs), and 8 cases (8%) to domestic accidents (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Circumstances of TAD occurrence (n=100)

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/89bd960e-fcc9-4753-b0d3-066a4e4027b8-uimage.png

Lesion characteristics

The maxilla was involved in 61% of cases. Dental dislocation accounted for 51% of cases (Table 2).

Teeth affected by TAD and type of TAD

The upper permanent central incisors were most affected by TAD, followed by the lateral incisors (Figure 3). The maxillary central incisor dominated the types of temporary teeth affected (Figure 4). Alveolar fracture was the most common alveolar-dental fracture (ADF) (Figure 5). Dental avulsion dominated in 19.6% of dislocations (Figure 6).

Figure 3

Types of permanent teeth affected

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/1457ffd9-5aaa-48be-8881-ea591b6c063a-uimage.png

Figure 4

Types of temporary teeth affected

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/7ce7b4cc-9f61-4108-9711-8f3fa74de2d4-uimage.png

Figure 5

Distribution of alveolar-dental fractures

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/646486b5-dffb-4f15-9253-5b8fa4e66c68-uimage.png

Figure 6

Distribution of dental luxations

https://typeset-prod-media-server.s3.amazonaws.com/article_uploads/bfbe3839-11f2-4c89-9804-a751d1554b37/image/c721fa90-5e63-4a1e-86aa-a9917a7f1135-uimage.png

Associated lesions and further investigations

The majority of associated lesions were soft tissue lesions (98%) (Table 3).

Panoramic radiographs were requested in 87% of cases, and CT scans in 13%.

Treatment data

Therapeutic aspects are presented in Table 4.

Table 1

Socio-demographic characteristics of patients

Variable/ modality

Number (n=100)

Percentage (%)

Gender

Male

64

64,0

Feminine

36

36,0

Age range

[0-15]

14

14,0

[15-30]

51

51,0

[30-45]

29

29,0

[45 et plus]

6

6,0

Socio-professional activities

Informal sector

41

41,0

Pupil/Student

30

30,0

Private sector

12

12,0

Public sector

8

8,0

Unemployed

7

7,0

Housewife

2

2,0

Place of residence

Urban

62

62,0

Rural

38

38,0

Table 2

Site of trauma and clinical forms

Variable/ modality

Number (n=100)

Percentage (%)

Site of trauma

Maxillary

61

61,0

Mandible + maxilla

24

24,0

Mandible

15

15,0

Clinical forms

Dislocation

51

51,00

Alveolar-dental fracture and dislocation

25

25,00

Alveolar-dental fracture

24

24,00

Table 3

Associated lesions

Variable/ modality

Number (n=100)

Percentage (%)

Soft tissue injury

98

0,98

Mandibular fracture

11

0,11

Maxillary fracture

1

0,01

Table 4

Therapeutic aspects of DAT

Variable/ modality

Number (n=100)

Percentage (%)

Medical treatment

3,68

Antibiotics

100

1

Oral antiseptics

100

1

Analgesics

97

0,97

Anti-inflammatories

71

0,71

Surgical treatment

1,86

Sutures

99

0,99

Reduction

55

0,55

Avulsion

26

0,26

Abstention/Monitoring

5

0,05

Relocation

1

0,01

Orthopedic treatment

0,54

Duclos arch ligature retainer

46

0,46

Ligation wire restraint

8

0,08

Evolution

1

Favorable

84

84,0

Not favorable

16

16,0

Complications

0,14

Dry socket

4

0,04

Dental mobility

4

0,04

Pulp necrosis

3

0,03

Dental joint disorder

3

0,03

Discussion

The limitations of our study are primarily inherent in its descriptive and retrospective nature. There is also the fact that the study took place in a single center, limiting the number of cases. The first of its kind in Burkina Faso, this study will certainly be useful for future work, as it provides epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data. The results of this work could also guide the appropriate interventions to be deployed in terms of training and improved practices in the management of ADD in Burkina Faso.

The frequency of TAD is high in the month of December in the present study, at 25%. The study by Palakina et al7 in Togo reports similar trends. This high frequency of TADs is recorded during the festive season, when economic activity reaches its peak. In addition, this period is hectic because of the school vacations, with the arrival of many pupils and students in town, resulting in numerous journeys.

Our findings regarding the male sex (64%) in TAD are similar to those of Marko et al8 and Parkins et al,9 who reported 64.1% and 62.55% male sex respectively in their studies. This could be explained by the more aggressive nature of male subjects. We also note that in Burkina Faso, the growing use of motorcycle cabs and their involvement in RTAs may be one explanation. Indeed, most of these vehicles are driven by young adult males. Moreover, young people are exposed to violent games.2

The age group most affected was 16 to 30 years, with a rate of 51% and an average age of 26.27 years. Dia Tine et al10 in Senegal reported a rate of 78%. Sybille et al11 in France found a lower rate. Our results could be explained by the fact that Burkina Faso's working population is young.

The informal sector and pupils/students were the most represented in the study, at 41% and 30% respectively. Oryopokou12 in Côte d'Ivoire in 2013 reported in his study a greater involvement of pupils/students with a rate of 63.88%. In Burkina Faso, the massive use of two-wheeled vehicles by pupils and students to get to educational establishments, as well as the development of the commercial sector, may justify this rate. Indeed, the poor development of public transport means that the majority of pupils/students have to travel either on foot or on two-wheeled vehicles, often ignoring or neglecting the highway code and not wearing a full-face helmet.

In this series, the majority of patients (62%) lived in urban areas. This urban frequency can be explained, on the one hand, by the fact that the majority of cars and 2-wheelers are concentrated in cities. On the other hand, assaults are frequent in big cities, where crime is on the rise.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) accounted for 84% of these injuries, followed by domestic accidents/falls from heights (8%). This finding confirms the consensus in the literature that RTAs are the leading cause of TAD worldwide.13, 14 Muller et al15 in France found 55.60% of cases, while Bali et al16 in India reported 71.9% of TADs related to RTAs. This could be due to the increase in the number of cars on the road, with the failure to wear seatbelts, the development of the market for two-wheeled vehicles, the failure to observe road safety rules and the poor state of the roads. To this could be added the use of doping products (narcotics) by machine drivers.

The maxilla was the most affected, accounting for 61% of TAD cases. Similar results were reported by Traoré17 in Mali and Dia Tine et al10 in Senegal. This may be linked to the low bone density of the maxilla and its position relative to the mandible. Indeed, its anatomical position in front of the facial mass makes it a natural bumper.

The permanent dentition was most affected, compared with the temporary dentition. The most affected teeth were the maxillary central incisors, followed by the maxillary lateral incisors. These results concur with those of Thamer et al. (2016)18 in Canada, who also reported 49.26% involvement of the permanent dentition. This could be explained by the fact that the patients concerned were adolescents and adults, who constitute the stratum most exposed to road traffic accidents, brawls and sports accidents. The anterior position of the maxillary incisors on the arch makes them highly exposed to impacts.

Among the 100 cases of TAD, dental dislocation was the most frequent (51%). Bah et al (2023) report lower proportions in Guinea.2 In our series, however, avulsions accounted for 19.6%. The work of Traoré18 in Mali shows a lower proportion of 2.5%. The high prevalence of dislocations in our series is due to the violence of the impact, its direction and above all to the periodontal status of the teeth concerned.2

The most common associated injuries were soft tissue injuries (98% of cases), followed by mandibular fractures (11%). The extent of the trauma will also affect the soft tissues, which are not protected by personal protective equipment such as helmets and mouthguards for certain sports.

Panoramic radiography was performed in 87% of cases. Like the present work, a Malian study showed that dental panoramic radiographs were performed in the majority of cases of TAD.12 This result can be explained by the fact that in our study, we encountered trauma involving several teeth at once, and even associated with lesions such as mandibular or maxillary fractures. In addition, dental panoramic radiography is accessible, easy to perform and affordable. On the other hand, like the work of Foche et al,19 that of Naye also showed greater use of retroalveolar radiography compared with panoramic radiography.4 Our result could be explained not only by the unavailability of retroalveolar radiography in the department, but also by the degree of involvement, which often requires a panoramic view for decision-making.

All patients (100%) received medical-surgical treatment in our series. All also benefited from systematic antibiotic therapy and topical use of oral antiseptics. Analgesic treatment was provided for 97% of cases. These results are similar to those of Bah et al.2 and its explanation lies in the objective of the treatment which is to relieve and prevent infectious complications, because alveolodental lesions are always accompanied by a gingival breach which can be a microbial entry point. Soft tissue sutures (lips, tongue, cheeks, gums) represented 99% of cases, followed by reductions (55%), then avulsions with 26% of cases. Restraints by ligatures to the Duclos arches were the most performed (46%), followed by cases of restraint by ligature wire (8%). Guiguimdé et al.20 in Burkina Faso, found 52% alveolar-dental contention while Sybille et al.11 in 2013 in Switzerland reported 80.9% of cases. This frequency of reduction by splinting could be explained by the ease of the technique, its affordable cost, but also because it constitutes the treatment of choice in cases of partial dislocations.

Our results, considered favorable in 84% of cases, are similar to those of Bah et al2 in Mali, who showed 99% of cases to have a good outcome. If managed early, the prognosis for DAT is generally good. Non-favorable results are observed in cases of delayed consultation, self-medication, traditional treatments and financial difficulties in paying for care. Moreover, patients with poor periodontal health and oral hygiene have a poor prognosis. It should also be noted that most trauma patients are rushed by the Brigade Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers to the emergency departments of health facilities, from where they are referred to the odontostomatology and maxillofacial surgery department when their hemodynamic condition stabilizes. However, other patients come to us with infectious complications. In such cases, medical and surgical treatment is essential. To prevent accidents, we need to step up our efforts to raise awareness among road users. Practitioners must scrupulously adhere to therapeutic protocols, which not only save lives, but also restore masticatory function and aesthetics to traumatised patients.20 To achieve this, the dental surgery department needs to be restored to full working order, so that appropriate and optimal dental therapies, which were lacking in this study, can be implemented.

Conclusion

Dental trauma is a public health problem in Burkina Faso, and is one of the main reasons for consultation in the Department of Odonto-stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at CHU-YO. Their frequency in the 15-30 age group merits particular attention, and a substantial reduction in the incidence of this pathology calls for increased awareness-raising among road users to prevent accidents.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1 

D Perrin V Ahossi P Larras Marion ParisEmergencies in dentistry CDP20056597

2 

AT Bah OR Diallo A Bah A Diop A Kourouma FBY Bah Alveolar-dental trauma: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects at the Donka National HospitalAfr J Dent Implantol2021204353

3 

A Tardif J Misino JM Peron Dental and alveolar traumaEMC-Dent20041215978

4 

SL Hanadi Assessment of School-Teachers’ Knowledge and Attitude toward The Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries in MakkahJ Umm Al-Qura Univ Med Sci20232734

5 

T Konsem M Millogo A Coulibaly V Ili R Ouédraogo D Ouédraogo Maxillofacial trauma from road traffic accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital Center (CHU-YO): Epidemiological aspects and anatomo-clinicalOdonto-Stomatol Trop201841538

6 

M Millogo M Sanfo M Idani MF Dargani A Coulibaly T Konsem Loss of maxillofacial substances of traumatic origin at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital CenterAnn Chir Plast Esthet20226821626

7 

A Palakina W Guiguimdé S Adam P Hemou E Pegbessou B Betenora Oral trauma: Epidemiological aspects of dento-maxillo-mandibular fractures in 102 cases collected at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital (CHU-SO) in LoméRev Col Odont-Stomal Afr Chir Maxilo-fac20162334754

8 

M Marko S Miroslav I Dinko M Van M Darko Assessment of oromaxillofacial trauma according to sex, age, cause and type of traumaCurrent Stomatol20154943407

9 

G Parkins MO Boamah D Avogo IK Nuamah Maxillofacial and concomitant injuries in multiple injured patients at Korle bu teaching Hospital, GhanaWest Afr J Med2014331515

10 

ST Dia A Ba CG Barry B Kounta Y Yones NDF Kebe Clinical aspects of maxillary and dental trauma. Odontostomatol chir maxillo-facOdontostomatol Chir Maxillo-fac200521714

11 

S Opsahl- Vital Management of complex dental trauma in a young personRéal Clin20031415970

12 

A Oryopokou Maxillofacial trauma at Bouaké University Hospital: About 137 casesAbidjan. Félix Houphouët Boigny University2013

13 

B Flavio K Gabriel F Andrea Dental trauma in adults in SwitzerlandDent Traumatol20092521814

14 

Calvalanti Al P Bezerrra CR Kalencar C Moura Anterior dental trauma in Brazilian children aged 7 to 12 yearsTraumatol Chir Maxillo-fac2009252198202

15 

M Muller M Bolla N Ionesco-Benaiche JC Jasmin Alveolar-dental trauma and socio-economic contextMed Sci Int J201543265063

16 

R Bali S Pasvee A Garga G Dhiiion A comprehensive study on maxillofacial trauma conductectJ Inj Viol Res2013510816

17 

BG Traoré Alveolo-dental trauma and associated lesions at the Somine Dolo Hospital in Mopti (HSDM): About 40 cases2015Bamako University of Science and TechnologyBamako

18 

A Thamer P William E Tarek Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in patients attending university of Alberta Emergency ClinicOp Dent J20161031521

19 

AN Foche FN Bushabu CM Mana R Haruna SS Masin M Nsudila Occurrence of alveolar-dental trauma at university clinics in Kinshasa: Second part, preliminary study of 93 casesPan Afr Med20182950

20 

WLP Guiguimdé J Garé A Nokam J Bayala B Ouattara S Bougoum Therapeutic and progressive aspects of dento-maxillo-facial trauma in the city of OuagadougouHealth Sci Dis202324106570



jats-html.xsl


This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

  • Article highlights
  • Article tables
  • Article images

Article History

Received : 07-02-2024

Accepted : 27-03-2024


View Article

PDF File   Full Text Article


Copyright permission

Get article permission for commercial use

Downlaod

PDF File   XML File   ePub File


Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

Article DOI

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.jooo.2024.017


Article Metrics






Article Access statistics

Viewed: 424

PDF Downloaded: 145



Medical Abbreviation List