Dental Mangement Of Pregnant Patients: An Obstetrician’s Perspective

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate obstetricians’ perspective regarding dental management of pregnant patients. Study Design and Setting: It was questionnaire based study and was directed towards practicing obstetricians of Karachi. Methodology: A seven item questionnaire was formulated by focusing on different aspects of the oral healthcare of pregnant patients including need for regular dental visits, dental radiograph safety, awareness about the adverse pregnancy outcomes due to untreated dental infections, safe use of local anesthesia, antimicrobials and analgesics and the safe trimester for dental extractions. A total of 74 responses received were entered and descriptive analysis was done by SPSS version 16. Results: Out of 74 respondents, n = 47 (63.5%) were aware that untreated dental infection may lead to adverse pregnancy outcome, n = 20 (27%) actually advise regular dental check-ups to their patients; n = 29 (39.2%) respondents were in favor of leaving the decision for dental x-rays to the dentist and n = 14 (18.9%) respondents allowed dental x-rays anytime during pregnancy to their patients. Out of n = 74, n = 21 (28.4%) respondents permitted dental extractions under local anesthesia with adrenaline by taking some precautions. Co-Amoxiclav (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) was considered the safest antimicrobial by n = 45 (60.8%) respondents whereas Acetaminophen as the safest analgesic by n = 66(89.2%) respondents. Conclusion:This study concluded that there was a lack of knowledge among obstetricians regarding oral health care of the pregnant patients and this study emphasized the need for oral health care awareness among obstetricians.