Abidjan dentists’ knowledge of the current guidelines for the management of cardiopathic patie nts during endodontic treatment

Abstract

Longer lifespans and advances in medicine have been matched by an increase in the prevalence of patients at risk of infection who are likely to receive endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Abidjan practitioners about the current guidelines for the management of cardiopathic patients during endodontic treatment. This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey, which involved interviewing 145 dentists. The questions focused on the different types of heart disease and the indications or contraindications of endodontic therapy for the treatment of irreversible pulpitis. The questionnaire was calibrated and validated by the Scientific Committee of the Faculty of Odontostomatology in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). More than 50% of practitioners are unaware of the contraindications for endodontic treatment in the cardiopath. When endodontic treatment is indicated, practitioners do not apply recommendations such as treatment in one session (more than 50%), and antibiotic prophylaxis limited to 1h before treatment (75.17%). Finally, 26.21% of respondents do not find it necessary to establish a dialogue with the general practitioner. A low level of knowledge of the current guidelines was found among Abidjan dentists. Therefore, attempts should be made to teach the current guidelines in Abidjan undergraduate/postgraduate dental education.