Endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic - perception and behaviour of dental professionals / Tratamento endodôntico durante a pandemia de COVID-19 - Percepçao e comportamento dos profissionais de odontologia

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the endodontic treatment routine. It was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire applied to endodontists to collect information about practical modifications during endodontic treatment to protect professionals and patients against the COVID-19 outbreak. A total 1105 participants from Brazil participated in the survey. More than 90% of respondents identify the high risk of COVID-19 infection to dentists and the need to change some clinical practices. Most respondents (60.1%) are partially following social isolation. The need for a change in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during dental appointments was mentioned by 97.1% of respondents. The use of minimal adequate PPE during the pandemic period was associated with the area of residence and marital status of participants. Only 30% of respondents say they use the minimal adequate PPE. Most respondents will change cavity access preparation to reduce virus dissemination. Other changes in endodontic appointments were described in the survey: greater attention to biosafety measures, duration of dental appointments, and duration of intervals between appointments. Endodontists still need to identify the best arrangement for performing their procedures safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific guidelines require detailed information for each specialty and its procedures.

RESUMO Este estudo transversal foi realizado por meio de um questionário online. O questionário foi aplicado a endodontistas e coletou informagoes sobre modificagoes práticas durante o tratamento endodontico para combater o surto de COVID-19 e proteger profissionais e pacientes. Um total de 1105 participantes do Brasil participaram da pesquisa. Mais de 90% dos entrevistados identificam o alto risco de infecgao por COVID-19 para os dentistas e a necessidade de mudar algumas práticas clínicas. A maioria dos entrevistados (60,1%) segue parcialmente o isolamento social. A necessidade de mudangas dos Equipamentos de Protegao Individual (EPIs) durante as consultas odontológicas foi referida por 97,1% dos entrevistados. O uso de EPIs mínimos adequados durante o período pandémico foi associado á área de residencia e ao estado civil dos participantes. Apenas 30% dos participantes afirmou usar os EPIs mínimos durante a pandemia. A maioria dos entrevistados mudará a preparagao do acesso á cavidade para reduzir a disseminagao do virus. Outras mudangas nas consultas endodonticas foram descritas na pesquisa: maior atengao ás medidas de biosseguranga, duragao das consultas odontológicas e intervalos entre as consultas. Os endodontistas ainda precisam distinguir a melhor maneira para realizar seus procedimentos com seguranga, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Diretrizes específicas requerem informagoes detalhadas para cada especialidade e seus procedimentos.

Oral health complications in Brazilian and French diabetic older people: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for periodontitis for over 40 years and novel evidence suggests that periodontitis has an impact on glycemic control in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to compare oral health complications in diabetic older patients from Brazil and France. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients aged 65 and over diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Sixty patients were admitted to a center for diabetes and hypertension care in Brazil and 60 patients were admitted to the Rouen University hospital. Dental conditions were assessed through the decayed, missing and filled teeth index and periodontal condition was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index. The significance threshold was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Decayed teeth differed statistically between the groups (p = 0.001). The French group presented more tooth mobility, gingival recession and furcation involvement (p < 0.001). Tooth brushing frequency differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.030). The main cause of missing teeth was periodontitis in the French group and caries and periodontitis in the Brazilian group (p < 0.001). Statistical significance was found for use of fixed upper (p = 0.013) and lower (p = 0.013) dentures in the French group. The French group needed upper denture rehabilitation (p = 0.010) while the Brazilian group needed lower denture rehabilitation (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Edentulism was prevalent in diabetic older people in both countries. However, the French participants presented with better oral health.