Traumatic Anterior Teeth Injuries Among Incarcerated Inmates in Benin City Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, causes and types of traumatic dental injuries to anterior teeth among prisoners in Benin City, Edo state; Nigeria.

Methods: Representative sample were selected by systematic random sampling and data was collected by means of structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Traumatic injuries were recorded based on objective signs: Enamel fracture, Dentine fracture, complicated crown fracture (fracture involving enamel-dentine with pulp exposure), Tooth crown discolouration and Exarticulation (avulsion or extraction after trauma). 

Result: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 20.7%. The entire recorded trauma occurred in male prisoners. Majority of the trauma were due to fights and police brutality (booth of police gun). Maxillary teeth were more commonly involved than mandibular teeth and the commonest type of trauma was enamel fracture (34.1%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental trauma in the study population indicate the need for the establishment of oral health services in prisons to provide adequate oral health care based on the principles of primary oral health care in order to allow every prisoner to live a healthy life. It also indicated the need for advocated reforms in police treatment of prisoners to guarantee their fundamental human right.