DENTAL TRAUMA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: DENTIST MANAGEMENT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Dental trauma in childhood can affect dental and periodontal tissues and cause functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial consequences. This study examined dentists’ management of these injuries and its relationship with pediatric prognosis. A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted, using a narrative and comparative synthesis of 16 publications from 2016 to 2026. The corpus comprised clinical guidelines, reviews, observational studies, and case reports selected for thematic relevance and full-text availability. The findings indicated that dentition, type of injury, root maturity, time to care, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical-radiographic follow-up influence outcomes. Brazilian and international guidelines converged on the need for distinct approaches to primary and permanent teeth. Case reports showed that discoloration alone does not establish pulp necrosis and that follow-up can reveal delayed sequelae. Appropriate decisions for each injury, caregiver guidance, and professional training can improve tooth preservation and reduce complications.