Effect of reporting time on periapical index scores in patients with traumatic dental injury: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Aim: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) predominantly affect maxillary anterior teeth and can lead to periapical pathology if untreated or delayed in management. The periapical index (PAI) is a validated radiographic scoring system used to assess the severity of periapical inflammatory changes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between reporting time on PAI scores in patients with TDIs. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 194 traumatized maxillary anterior teeth in patients aged 14–60 years attending a tertiary care dental hospital. Patients were stratified based on the duration between injury and reporting (from 0 to >90 months). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed, and PAI scores were assigned by a calibrated observer. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test and Spearman’s rank correlation to assess the association between reporting time and PAI scores. Results: The mean reporting time was 37.53 months, with a mean PAI score of 2.4. A significant moderate positive correlation was observed between increased reporting time and higher PAI scores (rho = 0.50, P < 0.001). No significant association between PAI scores and gender (P = 0.38) or trauma type (P = 0.31) was found. Conclusion: Delayed reporting of TDIs was associated with greater severity of periapical pathology as assessed by PAI scores. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, along with adherence to extended follow-up protocols, are essential to optimize clinical outcomes.