To drill or not to drill: A turnabout in endodontic practices during Corona Virus Disease -2019- A South India based study

• Published in: Journal of pharmacy & bioallied science 2022-07, Vol.14 (5), p.444-448
• Main Authors: Ravisankar, M, Arya, K, Gaffoor, Faisal, John, Sunil, Girish, C, Aravindan, Ashitha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Dentistry; Epidemics; Frustration; India; Original; Pandemics; Public health; World health
• ISSN: 0975-7406; 0976-4879; 0975-7406
• DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_45_22

Introduction: The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses an immense global health challenge. It also had a profound impact on dentistry with all elective treatment grinding to half initially and a slow phased return to normal services. The aim of the article is to provide an insight into the effect of COVID-19 on endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among endodontists of various southern states of India was conducted from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, using an online questionnaire. A total of 300 dentists who perform endodontic treatment in daily clinical practice were chosen for the survey. The information was coded, entered, and analyzed utilizing SPSS 20.0 version. Results: A total of 263 questionnaires were answered by the selected group. About 92.01% of endodontists have made changes in infection control including modification in their personal protective equipment and duration of the interval between their appointments. A whopping 74.14% of endodontists faced the economic loss of varying degrees due to the pandemic. In general tremendous changes have been occurred in their daily practice following the pandemic. Conclusion: The pandemic's current and enduring consequences on every part of our lives have been a cause of pain and frustration, but it has also highlighted the human spirit's resilience. Ideally, endodontists must be able to select the best arrangements for safely performing their procedures.