Assessing Knowledge, Perception, and Management Toward Traumatic Tooth Avulsion Among Dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The long-term prognosis of teeth that have experienced traumatic avulsion is highly dependent on appropriate and prompt emergency management taken immediately after the avulsion. The main goal in the treatment of traumatic permanent tooth avulsion is to replant as soon as possible in its correct anatomical position to maintain the viability of the periodontal ligament and neurovascular supply while restoring aesthetic and preserving the functional integrity of the tooth. General dentists can deal properly with emergency cases, such as tooth avulsion, and also should be aware of appropriate management to take care of avulsions and to determine the prognosis especially since such incidents often occur at times when dental professionals are least prepared to address them. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of dentists who are working in various hospitals, clinics, and dental schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with respect to traumatic permanent tooth avulsion and the appropriate methods for its management. Methods: The study design is a cross-sectional study with dentists working in various clinical settings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire used in the study consists of a total of 19 items: nine items about demographic data, including training background, and 10 multiple-choice questions regarding dental trauma and its management. Conclusion: Higher dental education and post-graduate training gave the dentists better judgment in dealing with dental emergencies compared to general dentists. Thus, the recommendation of this study is to include the comprehensive treatment of avulsion emergencies in the dental school curriculums and increase the exposure of dental students to such cases.