| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem: for a long time, the prevailing view was that root canal treatment was the only option after opening the pulp of a mature permanent tooth. Regarding to advances in research, today we have a new approach to pulp recovery, and in scientific literature and conferences, there is wider discussion about pulp treatment methods for teeth with closed root apices. There is no doubt that the opening of pulp tissue in mature permanent teeth is not a rare occurrence in the clinical practice of a dentist, and it is therefore relevant to find out whether dentists are interested in preserving a vital pulp and which treatment methods they prefer. Aim of the study: to investigate and evaluate the knowledge and using methods of vital pulp therapy in mature permanent teeth among dentists working in Vilnius. Material and methods: the study surveyed dentists working in private dental clinics and public institutions in Vilnius. The survey consisted of two parts: the first part asked about the working institution, clinical experience and the performance of vital pulp therapy methods, the second part asked about the choice of method and materials and the factors influencing it, the follow-up of the patient and complications. The survey was posted as a Google Form on the internet and paper versions were distributed to dentists at the VŠĮ VUL Žalgirio klinika. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 and MS Excel. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, two-tailed equality of proportions test were applied. The results are statistically significant when the p-value is below the significance level α = 0.05. Results: 107 respondents were interviewed. 86% of the dentists stated that they use vital pulp therapy in their clinical practice, while the remaining 14% of the respondents do not use these treatment methods. 97.8% of dentists have performed direct pulp capping, 38% - partial pulpotomy and only 18.5% - full pulpotomy. Conclusion: most of the dentists perform vital pulp therapy methods for mature permanent teeth in clinical practice. The dentists use a variety of pulp treatment methods and mostly choose direct pulp capping. |
