Comparison of effectiveness of different training tools on the level of knowledge about emergency management of avulsed teeth in non-dentists.

Objective: Tooth avulsion is a type of trauma requiring an emergency response, and the level of knowledge of non-dentists on the emergency management of avulsed teeth is important for the prognosis of affected teeth. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training given using different tools on the level of knowledge about the emergency management of avulsed teeth in non-dentists. Methods: A total of 125 individuals (female, 32.8%; male, 67.2%; mean age, 38.5 ± 7.32 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups, and the training was offered to these groups using different training tools (group 1, storybook; group 2, poster; group 3, ToothSOS App). A survey was conducted on all participants to measure their knowledge levels before training (T0), immediately after (T1), and 1 month later (T2). The Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The participants' mean correct answer scores on a scale from 0 to 21 were 7.76 ± 4.00, 5.47 ± 4.71, and 7.38 ± 2.96 at T0 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and their mean scores increased to 14.68 ± 4.10, 13.74 ± 3.28, and 13.86 ± 3.01 at T1 and 13.41 ± 3.34, 12.34 ± 3.77, and 13.66 ± 3.56 at T2. The correct answer scores increased significantly at both T1 and T2 in all groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: None of the training tools used in the study was superior in increasing the level of knowledge. More comprehensive and long-term studies on this subject are needed.

Evaluation of Turkish emergency medicine physicians' knowledge on emergency management of tooth avulsion.

Purpose: Tooth avulsion is a type of trauma that requires emergency intervention, and a significant number of patients apply to the emergency. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge and the awareness about tooth avulsion among emergency medicine physicians throughout Turkiye. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 545 physicians, working in emergency departments. An online questionnaire about tooth avulsion was applied to the participants. The questionnaire consisted of 3-section which evaluated personal information, the level of knowledge of avulsion cases in primary and permanent dentition, and the level of training on this subject. Results: Of the physicians, 61.3% had not previously received education on dentoalveolar traumas, 58.7% would replant an avulsed permanent tooth, 28.3% would prefer replantation to be performed "immediately", and 28% would prefer milk as the ideal storage medium. The mean±SD and median(min-max) values of the correct answer scores on a scale of 0 to 35 were 16.42±7.08 and 17(0-32), respectively. 45.6% of the physicians' level of knowledge was below the median score. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about tooth avulsion among Turkish emergency medicine physicians is not sufficient and there is a need to improve the knowledge level of physicians with comprehensive educational programs. This study indicates that the training of the physicians about the subject will reflect positively on the treatment of dental trauma patients.

Remineralization effect of three different agents on initial caries and erosive lesions: a micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the remineralization efficiency of Sensodyne Promine containing Sodium flouride (NaF), GC Tooth Mousse containing CPP-ACP, and Agarta herbal toothpaste on initial caries and erosion using micro-computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Forty-five third-molar teeth for micro-CT were divided into three main groups after initial scans (T1) were completed. Artificial caries lesions were created with the demineralization cycle (group 1, n = 15) and artificial erosion lesions were created with orange juice (group 2, n = 15) and Cola (group 3, n = 15), and second scans (T2) were performed. The groups were divided into three subgroups within themselves. Sensodyne Promine toothpaste (subgroup 1a, 2a, 3a), GC Tooth Mousse topical cream (subgroup 1b, 2b, 3b), and Agarta herbal toothpaste (subgroup 1c, 2c, 3c) were applied using soft-tipped brushes for 2 min, twice per day for 15 days, and then a third scan (T3) was performed. Mineral density, surface area, and lesion volume and depth were calculated using micro-CT. Changes in the surface morphology of the teeth were examined using SEM in 13 samples representing each group, subgroup, and healthy enamel. In the analysis of the data obtained from the scans performed at three different times (T1, T2, T3), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the post-hoc Tukey test, repeated measures ANOVA with the post-hoc Bonferroni test, and paired sample t-test analyses were used. RESULTS: All three agents caused a statistically significant increase in mineral density, and a decrease in surface area and lesion volume and depth (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in remineralization efficiency (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding the mineral density of the tissue that increased after remineralization (NaF > CPP-ACP > He; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The remineralization efficacy of herbal toothpaste as an alternative to NaF and CPP-ACP was found to be successful.

Accuracy of age estimation with Demirjian and Nolla methods in Eastern Turkish children aged 3-17 years old.

Purpose: Dental age assessment is one of the most reliable methods of chronological age estimation used for criminal, forensic and anthropologic purposes. This study aimed to determine how accurate it was to estimate the chronological age by looking at the dental age measured with the Nolla and Demirjian methods in a Turkish sample, based on the variables of gender and age-group. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on panoramic radiographs of 1587 subjects (774 females and 813 males), aged 3-17 years. The mean dental age according to the Demirjian and Nolla methods were compared to the mean chronological age (CA). Also, the percentage value of prediction of CA was determined by using the both methods. Results: An under-estimation of the chronological age was observed by using Nolla's method (males -0.003, females -0.32, both -0.16) and an over-estimation of the dental age was observed by using Demirjian's method (males 0.61, females 0.75,both 0.68). Conclusion: Nolla's method was more accurate in the CA estimation than Demirjian's method in Eastern Turkish population.

Effectiveness of Different Methods in Removing Dentin Caries of Primary Teeth: Micro-CT and SEM Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: With the recent improvements in technology, the expectation of minimal invasion and maximal comfort in caries removal techniques is increasing. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of six caries removal methods in primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty primary molars (10 teeth in each groups) were used. The groups were: Group I (Tungsten Carbide Bur), Group II (Sono abrasion), Group III (Air abrasion), Group IV (Carisolv), Group V (Er:YAG Laser), Group VI (ART). In micro-CT scanning, mineral density at the cavity floor was examined before and after caries removal. After caries removal, the patency of the dentinal tubules was examined in two teeth from each group on SEM images. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: For six different caries removal methods, tooth mineral (inorganic, total) densities at cavity floors were compared among the groups after the procedures, and no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05). On the SEM images, it was seen that the dentinal tubules were exposed and no smear layer was formed in the Carisolv group. Significant rough surfaces were exposed in the laser group. CONCLUSION: It was observed that alternative caries removal methods are at least as effective as the traditional method in primary teeth for clinical applications.

Evaluation of residual monomer release after polymerization of different restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry.

BACKGROUND: The choice of the restorative resin material to be used in pediatric dentistry is of a great importance due to the cytotoxic effects caused by residual monomers. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the amount of residual monomer released over time from different resin-based restorative materials, which are widely used in pediatric dentistry, by using high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). METHODS: The compomers in all colors (Twinky Star and Glasiositte A2), two composites with different hybrid properties (Arabesk-GrandioSO), and RMGIC (Ionolux) samples with 2 × 5 mm diameters were prepared. The samples were polymerized with an LED light unit (CELALUX 2, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany) and then finishing-polishing procedures were applied. A total of 156 samples were obtained, 13 samples in each of the 12 groups. The amount of residual monomer (BIS-GMA; HEMA, TEGDMA, UDMA) (µg/mL) released into the 75% ethanol solution was determined at different times, (1st hour, 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st day) by using HPLC-PDA. RESULTS: The residual monomer release continued on day 21 and BIS-GMA was the most released monomer in all groups. HEMA release showed a maximum increase in all the materials at day 7. The highest amount of residual monomer was detected in the gold-colored compomer. HEMA and BIS-GMA release from RMGIC was less than others in all time frames. CONCLUSIONS: The color and composition of resin-based restorative materials affect the amount of residual monomer. Pediatric dentists should prefer gold-colored compomers less than others as a restorative material, especially in deep cavities. More studies are needed about the subject.

Relationship Between Dental Caries and YKL-40 Levels in Saliva.

OBJECTIVE: YKL-40, a new biomarker of localized inflammation, is secreted by macrophages and regulates inflammation and immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate YKL-40 levels in saliva and compare the level of this mediator in healthy and unhealthy oral cavity. STUDY DESIGN: 80 children (42-girl, 38-boy), aged 6-15 (mean±SD: 9.35±2.08) were included in this cross-sectional study. The children were divided into four groups: Group-I (control, n=20, dmft/DMFT=0), Group-II (n=20, exist of dental caries), Group-III (n=20, exist of advanced dental caries without pulp exposure), and Group-IV (n=20, exist of advanced dental caries with pulp exposure). The dmft/DMFT, dmfs/DMFS, and the number of advanced dental caries according to the ICDAS and pufa/PUFA index were recorded. Saliva was collected and YKL-40 concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The highest level of YKL-40 was obtained in Group IV, followed by Groups III, II, and I, respectively (p<0.01). There was a positive correlation between YKL-40 and the number of caries There were no statistically significant difference in YKL-40 levels in terms of age and gender (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The advanced dental caries with pulp exposure may play an important role in the increasing levels of YKL-40 in saliva.

Effectiveness of the ToothSOS App as a training tool for the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among non-dentists.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a major and urgent problem in oral health. Therefore, non-dentists need to be conscious of the emergency management of TDIs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the ToothSOS App on the level of knowledge about emergency management of TDIs among people who are not dental professionals. MATERIALS METHODS: One hundred and five non-dentists, aged 22-57 years, participated in this study and were given training on TDIs. The ToothSOS App launched by the IADT was used as a training tool. A 25-question survey was conducted three times; before the ToothSOS App was downloaded and reviewed (T0 ), immediately after (T1 ), and one month later (T2 ). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference among the three time periods (p < .001) in terms of the knowledge about the management of TDIs, and the knowledge increased significantly (p < .001) at both T1 and T2 after reviewing the ToothSOS App. On a scale from 0 to 10, the mean correct scores increased from 2.85 ± 2.15 (median [min-max]: 2[0-10]) to 8.23 ± 2.21 (median [min-max]: 9 [1-10]) (effect size: 2.5) at T1 and to 7.40 ± 2.34 (median [min-max]: 8 [1-10]) (effect size: 2.1) at T2 . CONCLUSION: The ToothSOS App as a training tool was effective to increase the knowledge level of individuals about the emergency management of TDIs.

Evaluation of Knowledge on Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth Among Turkish Medical and Dental Students

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of medical and dental students regarding the emergency management of avulsed teeth. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was performed on 1841 students. Medical (n=746) and dental (n=845) students from different universities were included in this study. A questionnaire about the emergency management of avulsed teeth was conducted on the students. Also, 250 medical students from 3rd grade were included in the study and trained. The questionnaire was applied twice, before and after the training on the subject. Results: The mean correct answer scores were similar among the medical students in different grades (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the trained medical students and clinical dental students' correct answer scores, but there was a significant difference between the pre-clinical (1st-2nd-3rd years) and clinical (4th-5th years) dental students (p<0.01). Conclusion: Medical and preclinical dental students had lack of knowledge about the emergency management of avulsed teeth, while clinical dental and trained medical students were very knowledgeable. This result indicates the importance of education (AU).

Web-based dental trauma database using Eden Baysal dental trauma index: a turkish multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and pattern of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among Turkish children in a web-based and multicenter design using Eden Baysal Dental Trauma Index (EBDTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted dental trauma patients aging 1-15 years and a webbased form was developed and used to record the information of the patients' clinical and radiographic findings including EBDTI. The obtained data also included patient gender, age at the initial date of trauma, date of trauma, cause of injury and emergency treatment. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 280 traumatized teeth in 252 patients were evaluated. Dental trauma was seen more in boys and 7-10 years age group (p<0.05). There were significant differences between permanent and deciduous teeth with regard to uncomplicated and complicated crown fracture rate (p<0.05). The root fractures were mostly located at the apical third of the root in both dentitions. CONCLUSION: TDI was associated with age, gender, and type of dental trauma. EDBTI provided easy and proper recording of multiple dental injuries and maturity of the apex and it was found to be a very useful tool to facilitate online recordings of dental injuries.

Turkish Pediatricians' Awareness of Children's Oral Health.

Purpose: To assess the level of knowledge about the common approaches to children's oral and dental health in a sample of Turkish pediatricians.
Methods: A total of 130 pediatricians responded to an 18-question electronic survey about their personal information and knowledge about children's oral health. The data obtained were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and multiple linear regression analysis tests.
Results: The mean pediatricians' knowledge score was 7.99±1.67 (range: zero to 11) and the median score was eight. There were no statistically signification relationships between the pediatricians' mean knowledge, their sociodemographic factors and their educational background about children's oral health.
Conclusion: Turkish pediatricians need more pediatric oral health education.

Evaluation of impacted canines' localization and adjacent lateral incisors' root resorption with orthopantomography and cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: In this retrospective study, the frequency and severity of ectopic eruption in the children's permanent canines, changes between the impacted canine parameters on orthopantomography (OPG) taken for routine follow-up were demonstrated. Also, it was aimed to reveal the differences between OPG and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Ten thousand (5020 girls, 4980 boys) pediatric patient, were retrospectively investigated for the presence of impacted canine radiographically. OPG and CBCT images of 343 pediatric patients (207 girls, 136 boys) detected impacted canines (n = 432) were evaluated in four steps that the angular and linear measurement, position and status relationships with adjacent anatomical structures were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of impacted canine in children was 3.43% (4.02% girls, 2.73% boys). The percentage of adjacent lateral incisor' resorption was 33%. Although the presence of resorption in lateral incisors in contact with a canine was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.02), there was no statistically significant relationship the follicle size and localization of canine in the transverse plane. When images were compared, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between CBCT and OPG about the parameter of canine angulation to the midline and parameter of canine angulation to the lateral incisor. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric dentists should prefer OPG as the first choice for radiographic imaging for the diagnosis of impacted canine at an early age. Follow-up OPGs should be carefully studied with advancing age. The CBCT should be preferred to prevent complications, to view its relationship with adjacent anatomical structures and canine localization in detail.

Evaluation of Residual Monomer Release After Polymerization of Colored Compomer Materials

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the amount of residual monomers released after polymerization by the compomers in different colors and viscosities over time. Material and Methods: The compomer samples of different colors and viscosities (flowable compomers; blue-pink and packable compomers; A2-blue-pink-gold) were prepared in molds with an inner diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. In polymerization of samples, a LED unit was used. The amount of monomers released from the samples kept in 75% ethanol/water solution was measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument in the 10th minute, in the 1st hour, and in the 1st, 7th, and 14th days. For statistical analyses, the paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test were used. Results: The amount of residual monomers released from all materials increased over time. At the end of the 14th day, the most released monomer from all compomer samples was BisGMA. The total amounts of released monomers from the packable compomers were Gold>A2>blue>pink. The amount of residual monomers released from flowable compomers was higher in blue than in pink. Conclusion: The color and the viscosity are the factors affecting the residual monomer release in compomers.

Impact of Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia on Oral Health-Related Quality-of-Life and Dental Anxiety in Turkish Children

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze children's and parents' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and children's dental fears before and after the dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (DRGA). Material and Methods: 104 parents and their 3 to 13-year-old children (5.90 ± 2.42) who received DRGA were surveyed before and after DRGA. The children were divided into two groups: Group 1 - healthy children (n=43) and Group 2 - children with medical problems (n=61). After recording their socio-demographic information, parents completed a self-administered questionnaire named Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), which includes two main parts - Child Impact Section (CIS) and Family Impact Section (FIS). On the other hand, the children received a dentist-administered questionnaire named Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and Frankle Behavior Scale (FBS). For statistical analyses, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, Mann Whitney-U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's Correlation tests were used. Results: A statistically significant decrease in all CIS, FIS, ECOHIS and CFSS-DS scores was observed after DRGA (p<0.01). This decline was greater in healthy children than in children with systemic problems (p<0.01). Conclusion: Children's and parents' OHRQoL showed better results after DRGA. The decreases in dental anxiety in children were observed after DRGA.

Children's Primary Dental Treatment Needs According to Their Parents

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the children's primary dental treatment needs reported by the parents and pediatric dentists. Material and Methods: 125 children (36 girls and 89 boys) and their parents participated in this study. The children's decayed-missing-filled teeth/teeth surfaces scores were recorded. A questionnaire about their children's primary dental treatment needs was conducted with the parents. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test the normality of the data. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the clinical findings according to the categorical variables. The Chi-Square test was used to compare the categorical data. Also, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of some variables on children's dmft/DMFT scores. The significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The average age of the children who participated in the study was 7.59 ± 2.36 years. The main reason for applying to the paedodontics clinic was dental caries (38.4%), followed by dental pain (33.6%). As for the primary dental treatment needs, 28% of the parents said they needed dental filling, while 19.2% said they needed orthodontic treatment. According to the pediatric dentists, while the treatment rate of dental caries was 47.2% as the primary treatment need, it was only 4.8% for the orthodontic treatments. Conclusion: Turkish children who were admitted to paedodontics clinics were too old and dental caries and dental pain were the most common reasons for these visits to the clinics. The children's needs for primary treatment varied according to parents and pediatric dentists. There is a need for more comprehensive studies about the subject.

Parents' Ability to Distinguish Between Primary and Permanent Teeth.

Purpose: To investigate the extent to which parents can distinguish between their children's primary and permanent teeth in mixed dentition.
Methods: One hundred and fifty parents (107 mothers, 43 fathers) and their children (n=150; mean age=7.6±1.13 years old) were included in this study. All the children were examined, and their decayed, missing, and filled primary and permanent values and decayed, missing, and filled primary surface and permanent surface values were recorded. Parents were asked whether each of their children's 12 teeth on the maxillary and mandibular right side was a primary or permanent tooth. Each of their answers was recorded as zero (incorrect answer) or one point (correct answer), and the total score was calculated.
Results: One-third (33 percent) of the parents stated that the permanent first molar (PFM) was a permanent tooth, 59.3 percent said it was a primary tooth, and 7.3 percent said they had no idea. The median value of the total correct answer for the 12 teeth was 10. There were no statistically significant differences among the parents' total correct scores according to the sociodemographic status (P >0.05).
Conclusion: Parents do not have sufficient knowledge about their children's teeth, especially about PMFs. Parents' education on the subject is important for children's dental health.

Effect of different doses of radiation on morphogical, mechanical and chemical properties of primary and permanent teeth-an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy, applied to the head and neck region, can cause radiation side effects such as reduction of saliva and radiation caries. The aim of this study was to perform an in vitro assessment of the effects of radiation therapy on the morphological, mechanical, and chemical properties of primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: One hundred four extracted human teeth (52 impacted wisdom teeth, 52 primary molar teeth) were used. The teeth were divided into two parts in the mesiodistal direction. Of the 98 teeth, the vestibular sections were used for the vickers analysis and lingual sections were used for the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. The teeth in the experimental group were fixed to wax models. Each model had an equal number of teeth (n = 7). The doses were applied to the teeth for 6 weeks; 5 week days and 2Gy daily. After the radiotherapy was conducted weekly, a wax model was taken from radiation reception. Along with the elemental contents (Na, K, Mg, P, and Ca) of the teeth, enamel and dentin microhardness was evaluated, and SEM analyzes were performed on 6 teeth. RESULTS: Radiation caused a decrease in microhardness of enamel and dentin (p < 0.05). In the elemental analysis by ICP-OES, it was observed that there were decreases in all elements after 60Gy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the experimental groups, amorphous structures were encountered in SEM images. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation has negative effects on the teeth structure and additional studies are needed in this regard. This study indicates that radiotherapy patients are at a higher risk for dental caries.

Investigation of Turkish dentists' clinical attitudes and behaviors towards the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey study.

Currently, the whole world is under the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, and dentists are at high risk. The aim of this study was to investigate what kind of precautions Turkish dentists take in dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consisted of dentists in Turkey. An online questionnaire (23 questions-57 items) was sent to a sample of Turkish dentists from March 16 to March 20, 2020. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions about dentists' demographic characteristics, their concerns, and the measures taken in dental clinics against COVID-19. This study included a total of 1,958 Turkish dentists. A total of 1,274 (65.1%) were general dentists, and 684 (34.9%) were specialists. Five hundred twenty-two (26.7%) dentists attended an informational meeting on COVID-19. Of these dentists, 69.8% were aware of COVID-19 according to their self-assessed knowledge scores. More than 90% of the dentists were concerned about themselves and their families. Only 12% of the dentists wore an N95 mask. Although Turkish dentists took some precautionary measures, they did not take enough precautions to protect themselves, the dental staff, and other patients from COVID-19. As the number of COVID-19 cases increased, the measures taken slightly increased in dental clinics as well. Dentists are strongly recommended to take maximum precautions in the clinical setting. The guidelines about the COVID-19 pandemic should be sent to all dentists by the regional and national dental associations.

Investigation of Turkish dentists' clinical attitudes and behaviors towards the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey study

Currently, the whole world is under the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, and dentists are at high risk. The aim of this study was to investigate what kind of precautions Turkish dentists take in dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consisted of dentists in Turkey. An online questionnaire (23 questions­57 items) was sent to a sample of Turkish dentists from March 16 to March 20, 2020. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions about dentists' demographic characteristics, their concerns, and the measures taken in dental clinics against COVID-19. This study included a total of 1,958 Turkish dentists. A total of 1,274 (65.1%) were general dentists, and 684 (34.9%) were specialists. Five hundred twenty-two (26.7%) dentists attended an informational meeting on COVID-19. Of these dentists, 69.8% were aware of COVID-19 according to their self-assessed knowledge scores. More than 90% of the dentists were concerned about themselves and their families. Only 12% of the dentists wore an N95 mask. Although Turkish dentists took some precautionary measures, they did not take enough precautions to protect themselves, the dental staff, and other patients from COVID-19. As the number of COVID-19 cases increased, the measures taken slightly increased in dental clinics as well. Dentists are strongly recommended to take maximum precautions in the clinical setting. The guidelines about the COVID-19 pandemic should be sent to all dentists by the regional and national dental associations.

Assessment of Turkish dentists' knowledge about managing avulsed teeth.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The first intervention and clinical experience are important in the treatment of dental avulsions. The aim of this study was to evaluate general dentists' and specialists' knowledge about the management of avulsed teeth. MATERIALS METHODS: A total of 400 participants were evaluated. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: The first part inquired about personal information. The second part evaluated dentists' knowledge of emergency and clinical management in case of tooth avulsion. The third part was about dentists' perspective on dental trauma education and self-evaluation on dental trauma knowledge. The survey data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaires were answered by 155 dental practitioners, 80 pediatric dentists, and 165 other specialists. Pediatric dentists who have seen more trauma cases during their education are more knowledgeable about the management of tooth avulsion (P < .01). More than half of the dentists who participated in this study (58%) had less than 5 years of experience, 21% had between 6 and 10 years, 6.3% had between 11 and 15 years, 6% had between 16 and 20 years, and 8.8% had more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice. Dentists with fewer years of experience were more knowledgeable than dentists with more years of experience (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of dentists about the management of dental avulsion was acceptable but inadequate. While the knowledge of dentists was moderate, the knowledge of pediatric dentists was good.