RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: General dental practitioners often perceive root canal treatments as complex, and specialist referrals are commonplace in general dental practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to better understand the knowledge of Australian general dentists and their attitudes regarding endodontics in general, and specifically (RCT), to highlight barriers and facilitating factors in the provision of endodontic care. METHODS: A combined paper-based and online survey was sent to general dental practitioners. The questionnaire consisted of 27 items, presented as checkboxes and in Likert scale format. Responses were tabled and statistically contrasted using Chi-square tests and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A significant proportion of surveyed dentists were not confident in their ability to provide endodontic care, specifically root canal treatments (RCT). Confidence depended on factors, such as time in practice, participation in continuing professional development as well as fear of litigation and type of treatment. Other factors such as the availability of appropriate instruments and referral options, had comparatively little impact on practitioner confidence. DISCUSSION: While almost all general dental practitioners (GDPs) surveyed in this study believe RCT is important for improving the long-term retention of a tooth, just over half of the GDPs say they feel confident in their knowledge and provision of root canal treatment procedures.
Asunto(s)
Endodoncia , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Australia , Odontología General , Tratamiento del Conducto Radicular , Derivación y Consulta , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Odontólogos , Pautas de la Práctica en OdontologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of school professionals regarding the emergency management of dental avulsion. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilised a self-administered, pilot-tested questionnaire for school staff from primary schools. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis - the prevalence and univariate associations between a categorical outcome and the variables under consideration, were evaluated using Pearson's Chi-squared test. RESULTS: This survey yielded a response rate of 43.5% (n = 313). Approximately 60% of participants held valid first-aid certificates and 23% had received avulsion advice previously. Over 80% of participants expressed an unwillingness to replant an avulsed tooth, and over 90% believed that there should be greater awareness in this area. This unwillingness to replant was influenced by respondents' age (x2 = 8.13 df = 3, P = 0.043) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 13.15, df = 1, P < 0.001). Under-preparedness was related to years of experience (x2 = 15.03, df = 5, P = 0.010), first-aid training (x2 = 6.41, df = 1, P = 0.011) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 43.47, df = 1, P < 0.001). It was also evident that first-aid training positively influenced appropriate dental referral in the management pathway (x2 = 10.49, df = 1, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there is an inadequate level of knowledge on the appropriate management of dental avulsion injuries amongst primary school professionals in Australia.
Asunto(s)
Avulsión de Diente/terapia , Traumatismos de los Dientes/terapia , Australia , Estudios Transversales , Educación en Salud Dental , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption (PIER) can be described by the presence of coronal radiolucency in a unerupted tooth. Upon eruption, the resorbed dentine might leave the occlusal layer of enamel unsupported and susceptible to fracture, potentially exposing the pulp chamber and root canals to the oral flora. With current case studies showing unfavourable endodontic and restorative consequences of PIER lesions when left untreated, this case report presents an unchanged lesion, 7 years following initial identification.
Asunto(s)
Corona del Diente , Resorción Dentaria , Diente no Erupcionado , Humanos , Diente Molar , Corona del Diente/crecimiento & desarrollo , Erupción DentalRESUMEN
Infant oral mutilation is the practice of removing developing tooth germs, commonly the mandibular canine, in infants up to the age of 1 year. Subsequent complications include missing, impacted or hypoplastic permanent anterior and canine teeth. We report on a case of bilaterally missing lower canines thought to be due to infant oral mutilation. It is important that general dental practitioners are aware of this practice and resulting complications when treating families from sub-Saharan East Africa.