Conocimiento y manejo inmediato en estudiantes de odontología sobre traumatismos dentales en dientes permanentes inmaduros.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice of dental students and endodontic residents at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil regarding the diagnosis and immediate management of avulsion in immature permanent teeth, according to the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, cross- sectional, observational, and descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 142 participants selected from a total population of 207 students and residents. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts, was administered, consisting of 15 questions distributed across three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice. The level of knowledge was classified as inadequate (0–4), fair (5–7), and excellent (8–10). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software. RESULTS: 57.5% of participants demonstrated an excellent level of knowledge, 34.5% a fair level, and a small percentage an inadequate level. Eighty-three percent correctly identified the concept of dental avulsion, and 64% recognized immediate reimplantation as the ideal time. Eighty-six point six percent selected saline solution as the appropriate decontamination method, and 83.1% identified apexogenesis as the treatment of choice. However, 81.7% had not encountered any real clinical cases, and 50% had never provided preventive education to patients. CONCLUSION: The majority of students demonstrated