KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE SURVEY AMONG GENERAL DENTISTS AND SPECIALISTS ABOUT ROOT RESORPTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Root resorption is a pathological process following mechanical/ chemical stimuli such as infection, pressure, trauma or due to orthodontic movement. It occurs mostly in patients between 20-40 years (28.40%) of age. In the adult dentition root resorption is caused by osteoclast-like multi or occasionally mononucleated cells called odontoclasts. Roots are usually protected against external and internal root resorption by unmineralised organic cementoid and predentin, respectively, and therefore do not undergo resorption in normal circumstances.This is due to the inability of the clastic cells to adhere to unmineralisedsurfaces.This survey aims to attain a protocol regarding root resorption and its management among general dentists and postgraduate doing endodontics as speciality . The present study is a cross sectional, descriptive questionnaire study conducted among the general dentists, post graduates doing Endodontics in Tamilnadu, India. A descriptive questionnaire survey was conducted among 324 participants regarding root resorption and its management from April to May month of 2020. Out of which 11 were incomplete forms, 9 did not answer and that were excluded from the study. A population of about 304 had adequate knowledge among the root resorption. Compared with the general dentists, endodontic postgraduates have better knowledge, practice towards root resorption and its management in clinical situations.A snowball sampling was followed for this study.All the participants were allowed to choose one of the given three to four choices for each item in the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were obtained and the collected data was analysed using SPSS software. This cross sectional descriptive study shows a thorough knowledge and awareness among the endodontic specialists about root resorption and its management, and inadequate knowledge among general dentists. Therefore, establishing awareness among general dentists regarding root resorption and its management is mandatory.