Evaluating the frequency of patients' application to dentistry departments during the COVID-19 pandemic period and examining the reasons for application to the department of endodontics

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the number of patients in terms of departments of dentistry, who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine their causes of application to the endodontics clinic. Material and Methods: Between the dates of 11 March 2020, the day COVID-19 was identified for the first time in Turkey, and 31 July 2020, the first clinic that the patients applied following the Department of oral diagnosis and radiology was taken as a basis. Additionally, patients applying to the department of endodontics were assessed clinically and radiologically, and their causes of visit were examined. Result: Applied departments are determined respectively as follows: endodontics (37,62%), oral and maxillofacial surgery (25,32%), pediatric dentistry (12,52%), periodontology (8,11%), orthodontics (7,02%), prosthodontics (5,3%), and restorative dentistry (4,04%). The reasons for applying to Endodontics are found respectively as follows: irreversible pulpitis (44,02%), pulpal necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis (22,33%), acute apical abscess (18,01%), symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess in endodontically treated teeth (7,83%), chronic apical periodontitis (4,12%), chronic apical abscess (2,92%), and traumatic dental injures (0,72%) Conclusion: Most of the patients, who applied to Faculty of Dentistry at Dicle University, were directed to department of endodontics. The cause of application to endodontics is identified mainly as irreversible pulpitis.