Dentists' level of knowledge of the treatment plans for periodontal ligament injuries after dentoalveolar trauma

Abstract

This study investigated the level of knowledge held by dentists about the possible treatment plan procedures for periodontal ligament injuries after dentoalveolar trauma. A 5-item self-applied questionnaire was prepared with questions referring to the professional profile of the interviewees and to the treatment plan they would propose for periodontal ligament injuries secondary to dentoalveolar trauma. The questionnaires were filled out by 693 dentists attending the 23 rd Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Dental Research, and the data obtained were subjected to descriptive analysis. Either the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was applied to assess associations among variables, at a 5% level of significance. The results revealed that dentists experienced difficulty in establishing a treatment plan for subluxation, and for extrusive, lateral and intrusive luxations. In general, holding a dental specialty degree had no influence on the knowledge about treatment plan procedures for the most severe injuries. It could be concluded that the dentists participating in this study, whether specialists or not, did not have sufficient knowledge to treat most of the periodontal ligament injuries resulting from dentoalveolar trauma adequately.

Dentists′ knowledge of dental trauma based on the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines: A survey in South Brazil

“…These consequences may lead to difficulties in social interaction, low self‐esteem of children and problems with future personal relationships, chewing and consequent nutritional deficiencies . Furthermore, shortcomings in the immediate treatment of TDI may increase the long‐term treatment costs, especially if more complex procedures are needed . Satisfactory and prompt treatment of TDI, as well as regular and long‐term follow‐ups, are determining factors for a favorable prognosis of traumatized teeth .…”

“…Satisfactory and prompt treatment of TDI, as well as regular and long‐term follow‐ups, are determining factors for a favorable prognosis of traumatized teeth . Thus, a high level of knowledge by dentists regarding the management of TDI should be considered necessary …”

“…These guidelines aim to provide the best possible treatment in an efficient manner . Previous studies have demonstrated that there is a worldwide low level of knowledge amongst dentists regarding the protocols for managing TDI . Furthermore, it is concerning that these results contrast with the self‐perception of the profession regarding the treatment of TDI …”

Evaluation of retention of dental students' trauma knowledge following a reminder lecture

“…The impact of patient's surroundings as well as his/her own characteristic factors should also not be overlooked; thus every case is specific and unique in the way it presents [1]. Consequently, adequate knowledge in dental trauma including diagnosis and management will have many positive influences on the victim and his/her family as well as the dental practitioner and increase the level of success of the prognosis of the case [24][25][26].…”

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Multiple Traumatized Anterior Teeth: 2 Year Follow-Up: Case Report

“…1,2 In the permanent dentition, the most severe dental injury affects supporting tissues such as gingiva and underlying alveolar bone and causes esthetic, psychological, social, and functional disturbances. 3 Current literatures emphasis that dental trauma are experienced by males more than females. 4 The maxillary central incisors are the most frequently injured teeth for both the primary and permanent dentitions and root fracture is one of the results of traumatized permanent incisors.…”