To Drill or not to Drill: A Turnabout in Endodontic Practices during Corona Virus Disease -2019- A South India Based Study.

Abstract

Introduction:The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses an immense global health challenge. It also had a profound impact on dentistry with all elective treatment grinding to half initially and a slow phased return to normal services. The aim of the article is to provide an insight into the effect of COVID-19 on endodontic treatment.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study among endodontists of various southern states of India was conducted from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, using an online questionnaire. A total of 300 dentists who perform endodontic treatment in daily clinical practice were chosen for the survey. The information was coded, entered, and analyzed utilizing SPSS 20.0 version.Results:A total of 263 questionnaires were answered by the selected group. About 92.01% of endodontists have made changes in infection control including modification in their personal protective equipment and duration of the interval between their appointments. A whopping 74.14% of endodontists faced the economic loss of varying degrees due to the pandemic. In general tremendous changes have been occurred in their daily practice following the pandemic.Conclusion:The pandemic's current and enduring consequences on every part of our lives have been a cause of pain and frustration, but it has also highlighted the human spirit's resilience. Ideally, endodontists must be able to select the best arrangements for safely performing their procedures.