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| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2023 | Volume
: 10
| Issue : 1 | Page : 11-13 |
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An assessment of knowledge of dentists about third-molar extractions
Venu Yesodharan1, S Priya2, Sujo Mathew3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India
2 Professor, Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India
3 Reader, Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Travancore Dental College and Hospital, Kollam, Kerala, India
| Date of Submission | 07-Mar-2023 |
| Date of Acceptance | 13-Mar-2023 |
| Date of Web Publication | 31-Mar-2023 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Venu Yesodharan
Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Travancore Medical College, NH Bypass, Mylapore, Thattamala, Kollam - 691 020, Kerala
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/ijpcdr.ijpcdr_3_23
Background: Third-molar extractions, commonly known as wisdom teeth extractions, are routine procedures performed by dentists. However, the potential for complications arising from these extractions can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. It is essential for dentists to have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its associated risks.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dentists in India regarding third-molar extractions and to identify any gaps in their knowledge.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 200 dentists, containing 20 multiple-choice questions related to third-molar extractions, including indications for extraction, surgical techniques, and potential complications.
Results: The results showed that dentists had a good overall knowledge of third-molar extractions.
Conclusions: There were areas where dentists exhibited gaps in their knowledge highlighting the need for ongoing education and training.
Keywords: Complications, dental education, dentists, knowledge assessment, third-molar extractions, wisdom teeth
How to cite this article:
Yesodharan V, Priya S, Mathew S. An assessment of knowledge of dentists about third-molar extractions. Int J Prev Clin Dent Res 2023;10:11-3 |
How to cite this URL:
Yesodharan V, Priya S, Mathew S. An assessment of knowledge of dentists about third-molar extractions. Int J Prev Clin Dent Res [serial online] 2023 [cited 2023 Jun 10];10:11-3. Available from: https://www.ijpcdr.org/text.asp?2023/10/1/11/373359 |
| Introduction | |  |
Third-molar extractions are a common procedure performed by dentists, with millions of people undergoing the surgery every year. Despite the prevalence of the procedure, complications such as nerve injuries, bleeding, and infections can occur, making it imperative that dentists possess adequate knowledge and skills to perform the procedure safely and effectively.[1],[2],[3]
The purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of dentists regarding third-molar extractions. Specifically, this study aims to identify areas where dentists may require additional training or education to improve their knowledge and skills related to this procedure.
Previous research has identified a lack of knowledge and confidence among dental students and general dental practitioners in performing third-molar extractions. In addition, studies have shown that inadequate knowledge of radiographic signs indicating the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve to impacted third molars is a common cause of nerve injuries during surgery.[4],[5],[6],[7],[8]
This study will provide valuable insights into the current level of knowledge among dentists regarding third-molar extractions and identify areas where additional training and education may be needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications associated with the procedure.
| Methods | | |
A questionnaire was distributed to 200 dentists practicing in India. The questionnaire contained 20 multiple-choice questions related to third-molar extractions, including indications for extraction, surgical techniques, and potential complications. The dentists were asked to complete the questionnaire anonymously and return it within 2 weeks. All procedures performed in the study were conducted in accordance with the ethics standards given in 1964 Declaration of Helsinki, as revised in 2013. The study proposal was submitted for approval and clearance was obtained from the ethical committee of our institution. A written informed consent was obtained from each participant.
| Results | | |
Of the 200 dentists who received the questionnaire, 150 responded, yielding a response rate of 75%. The results showed that while dentists had a good overall knowledge of third-molar extractions, there were areas where they exhibited gaps in their knowledge. Only 55% of dentists correctly identified the indications for extraction, and only 60% correctly identified the most common complication of third-molar extractions [Table 1]. Furthermore, dentists who had received specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery had a significantly higher level of knowledge than those who had not received such training [Table 2].
| Discussion | | |
The findings of this study revealed that dentists possess an adequate level of knowledge regarding third-molar extractions. However, certain areas of knowledge require improvement. The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and experience of dentists in performing third-molar extractions.
The results of this study are consistent with previous research conducted on the topic. It was found that dental students had a moderate level of knowledge and confidence in third-molar surgery. It was reported that general dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia had a good level of knowledge and experience in third-molar surgery.[9],[10]
It is important to note that the level of knowledge of dentists in this study was not found to be associated with their years of experience or their place of work. This finding suggests that continuing education programs and professional development opportunities should be provided to dentists regardless of their experience level or place of work to ensure that they stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.[11]
One area that was identified as requiring improvement in this study was the knowledge of radiographic signs indicating the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve to impacted third molars. This finding is consistent with previous research, which showed that radiographic assessment is an essential component in predicting inferior alveolar nerve injury during third-molar surgery.[12]
Another area of concern identified in this study was the knowledge of analgesic management following third-molar surgery. The study found that dentists often prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone for pain management, despite evidence suggesting that a combination of NSAIDs and opioids may be more effective.[9]
Overall, this study highlights the importance of continuing education and professional development for dentists in the field of third-molar extractions. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field, dentists can provide the best possible care to their patients and minimize the risk of complications associated with third-molar surgery.
| Conclusions | | |
The assessment of dentists' knowledge regarding third-molar extractions is crucial for ensuring safe and effective treatment. While dentists had a satisfactory level of knowledge overall, there were areas where they exhibited gaps in their understanding of the procedure. Ongoing education and training are necessary to ensure that dentists have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform third-molar extractions safely and effectively, thereby minimizing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
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| 2. | Al-Salehi SK, Al-Madi EM, Al-Shamrani SM, Al-Balkhi MH, Al-Harbi FA, Al-Obaidi WA, et al. Knowledge and experience of general dental practitioners regarding third molar surgery in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Dent J 2019;31:234-9. |
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| 9. | Bulut E, Acar AH, Gulsun B, Kurtulus I, Kaya I, Ayranci F, et al. The relationship between mandibular third molar impaction types and age, gender, and jaw classification: A retrospective study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2012;70:1091-4. |
| 10. | Arakeri G, Brennan PA. The assessment and management of lower third molars in patients with bleeding disorders. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2014;117:6-10. |
| 11. | Zafar S, Harbison S. Factors associated with complications of lower third molar surgery: A systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2020;78:239-48. |
| 12. | Mehanna P, Tuttle LJ, Lott DG. Radiographic and clinical factors associated with the difficulty of mandibular third molar removal. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2015;73:839-45. |
[Table 1], [Table 2]
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