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Therapeutic and economic implications of traumatic dental injuries in Denmark: an estimate based on 7549 patients treated at a major trauma centre
Author(s) -
Borum Mette Kit,
Andreasen Jens Ove
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-263x.2001.00277.x
Subject(s) - medicine , trauma centre , emergency medicine , medical emergency
Aim. To analyse the type and extent of injuries presented by patients seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries at a major trauma centre. Furthermore, to analyse acute and subsequent treatment demands and treatment costs. Methods . A therapeutic and economic analysis was performed of 7549 patients treated for traumatic dental injuries in a major trauma centre located at the University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. Cases were divided into uncomplicated (concussion, subluxation, enamel and enamel‐dentine fractures) and complicated cases (crown fractures with exposed pulps and crown‐root fractures, luxation injuries with displacement of the tooth and bone fractures). Results . Primary tooth injuries were found in 2874 patients, involving 5443 teeth, among which 62·8% had complicated injuries. Permanent tooth injuries were found in 4525 patients, involving 10673 teeth, among which 40·4% had complicated injuries. The cost of treatment (including acute trauma service, follow‐up and subsequent restoration) was estimated to be 0·6–1 mill USD a year for the patients treated in this trauma centre. If this figure is transferred to the estimated trauma population in Denmark, a yearly cost of traumatic dental injuries appears to range from 2 to 5 mill USD per 1 mill inhabitants per year according to the treatment scenario. Conclusion . Thus, treatment of traumatic dental injuries comprises an expensive part of the health services in Denmark.