Endodontic Treatment During Pregnancy: Knowledge of General Dental Practitioners and Interns in Zliten, Libya

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of dental interns and general dentists about providing endodontic treatment to pregnant patients in Zliten-Libya. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered, closed ended questionnaire which was circulated among 127 dental interns and general dentists in Zliten-Libya. The questionnaire included demographical items and questions relative to the participant's knowledge regarding the endodontic treatment during pregnancy. The analysis of data was carried out using SPSS 26. 84% of survey participants indicated the second trimester as the safest period for endodontic treatment. 95% of respondents considered the need for a specific chair position among which 58% identified the correct one. 72% and 65% of respondents indicated the safety of local anaesthetics with vasoconstrictors and use of aspiration technique, respectively. 22% of respondents identified the toxicity of bupivacaine. 64% of respondents considered the safety of either root canal irrigants or intra-canal medicaments. The obturation materials were considered safe by 74% of respondents. 49% of respondents indicated the safety of radiographic examination among which 67% preferred RVG technique. 58% of respondents preferred acetaminophen for pain control. Dental interns and general dentists in Zliten exhibited a sufficient knowledge regarding the safety of endodontic treatment during pregnancy and required to improve their knowledge particularly regarding the safety of some local anaesthetics and radiographic examination during endodontic treatment.