Evaluating the knowledge level, attitudes, and therapeutic approaches of Greek dentists for traumatic dental injuries.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Greek dentists are facing a new era of a globally continuous effort to improve the first-aid management and long-term treatment outcome of traumatic dental injuries (TDI). In Greece, where the basic and clinical research in the field of dental trauma has been limited until recently, assessing the attitudes and therapeutic strategies of Greek dentists for dental trauma is of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge attitudes and therapeutic approaches of Greek dentists in different clinical scenarios of TDI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 dentists. A questionnaire-based survey of demographic characteristics, attitudes, and a scenario-based knowledge test, of TDI, which was used to formulate a "Dental Trauma Knowledge Score" with a 0-8 score range, was administered. Mann-Whitney U tests (for two categories variables) and Kruskal-Wallis tests (for more than two categories variables) were performed. RESULTS: The median knowledge score was 5.0 (IQR: 4-7), a level considered as "Acceptable." Knowledge scores were found to significantly differ by age group, with the younger dentists presenting the highest scores. Dentists with a self-evaluation as "Acceptable" had significantly higher scores. Most of the dentists would refer for CBCT in severe trauma cases. A significant association was found between younger ages and on awareness of the mobile application ToothSOS. Female dentists had significantly higher scores compared to males when asked about avulsion management. CONCLUSION: An acceptable level of knowledge on TDI management was revealed among dentists in Greece. Higher knowledge scores were observed among younger dentists.

Effect of 2% chlorhexidine gel mixed with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medication on sealing ability of permanent root canal filling: a 6-month follow-up.

The present study was conducted to determine the influence of 2 intracanal medicaments (calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine gel 2%) when used either alone or combined on the short- and long-term sealing ability of permanent root canal fillings. Ninety human upper central incisors were divided into 4 experimental groups (n=20). All root canals were instrumented in a step-back motion and then treated as follows: group I, root canal dressing with calcium hydroxide for 2 weeks and then obturation with laterally compacted gutta-percha and AH26 sealer; group II, chlorhexidine gel 2% for 2 weeks and obturation as in group I; group III, dressing with a new paste made by mixing calcium hydroxide plus chlorhexidine gel 2% for 2 weeks and obturation as described previously; group IV, immediately obturated with laterally compacted gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. Leakage along root canal fillings was measured using the transport fluid model. Short term measurements were carried out for 3 hours after 24 hours equilibrium establishment. Leakage was measured again at 6 months after the initial measurement. At 3 hours, no significant differences were found among the 4 experimental groups. Long-term measurements showed that also at 6 months no significant differences were observed between the group IV and the other 3 experimental groups. Under the conditions of the present study, it could be supported that none of the medications used seemed to affect negatively neither the short- nor the long-term sealing ability of the tested obturation technique. On the basis of these results and because of its increased antimicrobial action as it is supported in the literature, the new paste made of calcium hydroxide plus chlorhexidine gel 2% can be proposed for use in clinical practice without affecting the sealing ability of root canal obturation.