A Retrospective Study of Dental Trauma in Israel Military Personnel

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant public health concern, especially prevalent among active populations like military personnel, where the causes and consequences of such injuries can be particularly severe due to the nature of their duties. This study aimed to investigate the patterns, associated injuries, and complications experienced by military personnel who sustained dental trauma. Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized data from the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry, examining incidents from January 1997 through December 2018. The focus was on military personnel with injuries localized to the head, neck, and maxillofacial regions, analyzing the prevalence, types, and management of dental trauma. Results: Out of 672 documented cases, 71 (10.5%) involved dental injuries. The most common injuries were tooth loss (5.2%), followed by tooth crown fractures (3.4%) and periodontal ligament (PDL) injuries (1.9%). Incisors were the most frequently injured teeth. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) was identified in 10.2% of the subjects, with a notable 42.9% of TMD patients sustaining dental injuries as well. Discussion: The study highlights the unique challenges of managing TDIs in military settings, emphasizing the need for early and effective treatment to prevent long-term consequences. Comparisons with civilian data reveal higher rates of severe injuries in military personnel, underscoring the importance of specialized training for military dentists in trauma management. Conclusion: Dental injuries in the military require a focused approach due to the severe nature of the traumas involved. Effective management of these injuries is crucial to ensure the personnel's rapid recovery and continued operational readiness. The findings recommend implementing specialized training for military dentists and introducing mouthguard policies to mitigate dental injuries in combat scenarios.