IMPACT OF TREATMENT TIME ON POST-TRAUMATIC ENDODONTIC PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Dental trauma is a frequent condition, especially among children and adolescents, and may result in pulpal and periapical complications. The time elapsed between the trauma and clinical care has been identified as a determining factor in endodontic prognosis. The present study aimed to analyze, based on scientific literature published between 2022 and 2026, the impact of time to treatment on post-traumatic endodontic prognosis. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted in the PubMed database, including 14 articles comprising clinical studies, retrospective studies, and systematic reviews. The results demonstrated that early interventions are associated with lower rates of pulp necrosis, root resorption, and ankylosis, as well as improved tooth survival rates, especially in teeth with incomplete root development. It was also observed that the type of trauma and the stage of root development directly influence clinical outcomes. The discussion highlighted that time to treatment is a central prognostic factor, particularly in cases of avulsion and severe luxation injuries, with delayed care being associated with increased therapeutic complexity and risk of irreversible sequelae. It is concluded that immediate treatment is essential to optimize endodontic outcomes and preserve dental structure in the long term.