Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Emergency Management of Avulsed Tooth among Dental Practitioner in Pakistan: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

Abstract

Background: The management of dental traumatic injuries, particularly avulsed permanent teeth, necessitates a comprehensive understanding and proficient clinical skills among dental practitioners. With the increasing prevalence of dental injuries due to various factors, the knowledge and practices of dentists in emergency and clinical management are pivotal for successful outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Pakistani dentists regarding the management of avulsed teeth, highlighting areas for improvement and adherence to international guidelines.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in Pakistan concerning the emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth and to identify gaps in knowledge and practice compared to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 dental professionals in Pakistan, using an online questionnaire from August to September 2022. The survey comprised three sections: demographic information, knowledge and attitudes towards dental trauma education, and practices in the emergency management of avulsed teeth. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, utilizing SPSS version 25.0 for statistical analysis.

Results: The survey revealed that 47.5% of respondents felt they received enough information during their undergraduate education, yet a significant proportion reported forgetting much of this knowledge over time. Regarding post-graduation knowledge sources, conferences and medical journals were the most cited (26.7% and 24.2%, respectively). In terms of practice, 79.2% correctly identified HBSS as the optimal storage medium for avulsed teeth, and 60% adhered to rinsing the tooth with saline before replantation. Awareness of the critical extra-oral dry time being under 60 minutes was noted in 59.2% of participants, and a majority were in favor of initiating root canal treatment 7 to 10 days post-replantation for teeth with a closed apex, aligning with IADT recommendations. However, a preference for rigid splints over flexible ones was observed in 54.2% of respondents, indicating a deviation from best practices.

Conclusion: The study identified a satisfactory level of knowledge among Pakistani dentists regarding some aspects of avulsed tooth management but also highlighted significant gaps, particularly in the use of flexible splints and recollection of undergraduate training. Continuous education and adherence to IADT guidelines are essential for improving the management of dental traumatic injuries.