Avaliação das contenções dentárias encaminhadas de serviços odontológicos do Sistema Único de Saúde para o Serviço de Trauma Dentoalveolar da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia

Abstract

Background/Aim: The prognosis of traumatized teeth is influenced by the type and quality of dental splinting. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the indication and quality of dental splints performed in different public oral health services in the city of Uberlândia, Brazil, and referred to the Dental Trauma Service of the Federal University of Uberlândia. Materials and Methods: Between January 2024 and January 2025, 51 dental splints involving 320 splinted teeth were evaluated. Data of the splint types (semi-rigid or rigid), splint characteristics, polishing aspect of resin composite, plaque retention, oral hygiene orientation, patient satisfaction, duration of the splint, and adherence to IADT/UFU protocols were recorded. The type of dental splinting was related to the trauma consequence type following the IADT recommendations. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Most splints were semi-rigid using nylon (58.8%), 49% showed improper alignment. Visible plaque was presented in 73.4% and gingival inflammation in 66.9% the splinting. Only 32.6% of patients received oral hygiene instructions. Diagnostic errors were found in 19.6% of cases, and 31.4% did not follow the recommended protocols regarding the correct rigidity indication. Conclusion: Significant gaps in splint indication, application, and follow-up exist across Brazilian Unified Health System services. Reinforcing training, protocol standardization, and documentation quality are essential to enhance trauma care outcomes.