Endodontic sequelae associated with repetitive impacts to the dentofacial region during boxing activities

Abstract

AbstractAimTo explore self‐reported dentofacial trauma and their potential endodontic sequelae in boxers using a questionnaire, followed by clinical and radiographic assessment to (1) compare the nature and number of self‐reported dentofacial injuries with physical evidence of injury sequelae; and (2) investigate potential risk factors influencing dentofacial trauma and their endodontic sequelae.MethodologyA focus group validated questionnaire was completed by 176 boxers recruited from 16 London boxing clubs; 61 boxers from this cohort then attended a London dental hospital, for a clinical and radiographic assessment. Data from the questionnaire and clinical assessments were then collated and analysed using Chi‐squared or t‐tests.ResultsQuestionnaire data revealed 87.5% of boxers reported a history of dentofacial trauma during boxing activity. The clinical and radiographic assessment detected evidence of dentofacial trauma in 91.8% of boxers and dental injury or endodontic‐related injury sequelae in 68.9% of boxers. There was a significant association between dentofacial trauma and boxers who did not participate in weekly neck weight sessions (p < .001), and there was a significant association between trauma‐related endodontic sequelae and: boxer age (p = .01); competitions per month (p = .002); and defensive skill (p = .007).ConclusionsA majority of the cohort had suffered dentofacial injuries and endodontic sequelae. The questionnaire data under‐reported musculoskeletal injuries and endodontic sequelae, suggesting that some hard‐tissue injuries following repetitive dentofacial trauma may have a subclinical presentation. Injury risk may be related to increased boxer age, defensive skills, frequency of participation in competitions, and frequency of neck weight sessions per week.