Viktorija Asmankeviciute

Title: Dentists' perspective on indications for pulpectomy before prosthetic treatment

Abstract:

Relevance of the problem and aim of the work. Both general dentists (GD) and prosthodontists (P) perform tooth preparation before restorative treatment. In each case, tooth vitality and the most suitable restoration choices are evaluated individually. These choices may vary depending on work experience, workplace, and competence. The study aims to determine the criteria used by prosthodontists when choosing pulpectomy before prosthetic dental treatment in comparison with general dentists.

Materials and methods. During the questionnaire survey, 386 responses of GD and OD were received. The data was analyzed using “Microsoft Excel”, “SPSS” and “R” software programs, employing descriptive statistics, the significance level of 0,05 was chosen. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the link between variables.

Results. Most respondents agree with the statement that while restoring vital teeth it is necessary to keep them vital by any means. Both GD and P in most cases asses’ indications of pulpectomy similarly. Significantly different responses were to questions about exposed tooth necks, gingival recession, and enamel hypoplasia or hypocalcification.

Conclusions.  Both GD and P in most cases asses’ indications of pulpectomy similarly, but in some cases (exposed tooth necks, gingival recession, short clinical crown, enamel hypoplasia, or hypocalcification) opinions significantly differ. The link between the preference of dentists and qualification, work experience, and knowledge updating methods is weak or very weak.

Key words. General dentists, prosthodontists, pulpectomy, indications, dental crown, dental veneers. 

Audience Take Away:

• Systemized insights on tooth pulpectomy before prosthetic treatment and their significance.
• Dentists can consider preparatory treatment before prosthetic and restorative procedures more accurately.
• This article provides structured information, valuable for general dentists, endodontists, prosthodontists as well as dental students and teaching staff
• This study provides practical clinical solutions as well as foresees their possible outcomes

Biography:

Dr. Viktorija Asmankeviciute studied Odontology at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuania, graduating as DMD in 2021. She then continued her studies as a resident doctor in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. She was a part of the team working on a study field evaluation report at LUHS. Dr. Viktorija practices dentistry in the clinical setting as well as works as a lecturer in the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.