Current Trends To Deal Endodontic Emergencies and Use of Antibiotics by Dentists of Karachi

Abstract

The aim of this study was to collect information from dentists regarding treatment of endodontic emergencies and investigate their antibiotic prescribing habits. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted in which questionnaires were distributed to 300 dentists of dental hospitals and private clinics of Karachi, Pakistan. The survey dealt with questions focusing on treatment approaches for different endodontic emergency situations and antibiotic prescribing habits of the dentists. RESULTS: A total of 182 participants were included with a response rate of 65%. In cases of a vital teeth with irreversible pulpitis, (59.9%) of dentists opted for two visit root canal treatment. Dentists with working experience 5 years performed root canal treatment in more than two visits which is in a higher ratio than the other groups (P<0.05). (75.3%) of dentists prescribed medications if RCT required multiple visits. (33.5%) managed emergency case of pulpitis by pulpectomy in combination with analgesics and antibiotics. In management of acute apical periodontitis, (28%) opted for pulpectomy with intra-canal medication. In case of acute apical abscess, (67.6%) of the dentists preferred drainage of the abscess by opening pulp chamber in combination with antibiotics. Most frequently prescribed antibiotics were Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (78.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists were over prescribing antibiotics in may conditions. Educational programs should be conducted on regular basis to increase the knowledge of the dentists.

Differences in endodontic emergency management by endodontists and general dental practitioners in COVID-19 times

“…This might be related to striving to offer patients a more comfortable postoperative period; obviously, antibiotics are never indicated by the dentists for SIP. Additionally, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the first choice of both the GDPs and endodontists, similar to the study of Khan et al 24 This might be due to the broad-spectrum of this drug, low incidence of resistance, and pharmacokinetic profile, in addition to factors related to tolerance and dosage. 25 SIP is one of the most challenging cases for clinicians due to pain intensity.…”