Doctors' reported knowledge on how to deal with a front tooth which has been knocked out

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the medical profession's knowledge about dental trauma. Postal questionnaires were sent to 220 general medical practitioners (GMPs) and 65 casualty officers to investigate three key elements in the emergency care of avulsed permanent incisor teeth. Almost one fifth of the GMPs (18.5%) were unaware that it was possible to replant an avulsed tooth. Sixty-eight per cent of doctors would store the injured tooth in a way that would severely compromise the success of replantation. Over two-thirds of doctors (66%) would clean a dirty, avulsed tooth in a manner that would harm the periodontal ligament and jeopardise the success of replantation.

This study has identified a need to improve the knowledge of doctors about dental injuries and their emergency management.

Key words:

• doctors
• dental trauma