Abstract
Aim:Pregnant women require special consideration in dental treatment due to physiological changes during their pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists and dental interns in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, regarding endodontic treatment during pregnancy.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated self-report questionnaires completed by 450 dental interns and dentists who treat pregnant women in governmental and private dental clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire measured participants’ knowledge, beliefs, and actual practices regarding behavioral counseling and the treatment of pregnant patients. Descriptive statistics were generated, and significance was set at 0.05.Results:A total of 86.4% of the participants acknowledged the importance of endodontic treatment for pregnant patients and responded that most endodontic procedures are considered safe during the second trimester, including periapical radiographs (67.11%), endodontic treatment (81.11%), local anesthesia with and without epinephrine (70.67%), open access (83.78%), drainage of abscesses (76.89%), prescribing acetaminophen (75.56%), and prescribing antibiotics (61.11%). In addition, 57.8% knew that Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated. However, 69.33% considered panoramic radiographs contraindicated. Knowledgeable participants were significantly more likely to practice appropriate endodontic procures. The majority (70.9%) were interested in more education about pregnant patients.Conclusion:Dental interns and dentists in Saudi Arabia have fair levels of knowledge about endodontic treatment of pregnant patients, and need to improve their knowledge, especially regarding radiographs and NSAIDs.
Highlights
It should be noted that a pregnant woman is not medically compromised; dental treatment is acceptable, but special considerations are needed as their management may need some adjustments to the timing of certain treatments, types of dental treatments used, and drugs to be prescribed [10 - 12]
This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners and dental interns in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, regarding the endodontic treatment of pregnant patients
Our study indicated that dental interns and dentists have fair levels of knowledge that need improvement
Summary
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is used with pregnant patients to control the spread of disease, keep a healthy oral environment, and minimize the expected complications that could occur later in pregnancy or during the postpartum period [12]. RCT usually requires radiographic exposure, local anesthetic agents, irrigation, intra-canal medications, and drugs such as analgesics and antibiotics [11]. Studies have shown no atypical side effects or complications after the use of anesthetic agents that contain epinephrine with vasoconstriction up to 0.1 mg for epidural anesthesia during labor [18]. Despite some studies recommending delaying the use of any chemicals during the first trimester of pregnancy [5, 19], a longitudinal study showed no teratogenic effect when using local anesthesia, even during the first trimester [17]
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