Prevalence of crown fracture of the permanent maxillary incisors in primary school pupils in Zahedan in 2003-2004

Background: Crown fracture of maxillary incisors is the common injury which can lead to
unfavorable psycological effects on both children and their parents. Moreover, it can create a
malocclusion. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of crown fracture of maxillary
incisors in primary school pupils in Zahedan.
Methods and Materials: In this cross – sectional descriptive study, data were gathered through
questionnaire, interview and clinical examination in 2190 school children,(1219 girls and 971
boys). The samples were chosen by a simple random method from five geographical areas in
Zahedan. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and χ2 test.
Results: The Prevalence of crown fracture in the studied group was 11.8%
(95% CI: 10.5%-13.3%) with no significant difference between boys and girls. The highest
frequency of trauma was observed in the 11 year age group. Falls were the major sources of
trauma (44%) and the maxillary central incisors were the most affected. (P<0/05)
Conclusions: The prevalence of crown fracture of the permanent maxillary incisors in primary
schoolchildren in Zahedan was 11/8%. Therefore, provision of information to the children and
parents and school staff about the importance of early management and ways of preventing dental
trauma is essential.