Awareness-knowledge level and practice of two dentistry specialties dentists regarding juxta-apical radiolucency

Introduction
Mandibular third molar extraction is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillo­facial surgery. The procedure may result in several complications, such as injury of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and post-operative paresthesia/dysesthesia. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the awareness-knowledge level and practice of dentists who received specialization training in oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery regarding juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR).

Material and methods
Dentist participants who received specialization training and volunteered to participate were divided into two groups according to their specialization: group 1 – oral and maxillofacial radiology; group 2 – oral and maxillofacial surgery. A special questionnaire was prepared for this study and participants provided answers face-to-face. The form consisted of two parts: part 1 – personal information, and part 2 – awareness-knowledge level and practice regarding JAR. In part 2, dentists were asked questions on different panoramic radiography images containing JAR in a slide show. Pearson’s 2 test was applied for statistical analysis.

Results
A total of 66 volunteers divided into two groups [group 1: n = 32 (43%); group 2: n = 34 (57%)] partici­pated in the current study. The preliminary diagnosis of JAR was mostly associated with anatomical formation (group 1: 63.1%; group 2: 64.1%) and odontogenic/non-odontogenic lesions (group 1: 41.8%; group 2: 48.2%). Usually, participants thought that such a radiolucency would affect extraction method (group 1: 68.8%; group 2: 63.5%), posed a risk for IAN (group 1: 67.5%; group 2: 69.4%), and negatively affect healing process (group 1: 66.3%; group 2: 61.2%). A small ratio of participants was aware of JAR (group 1: 18.8%; group 2: 2.9%).

Conclusions
The awareness-knowledge level of dentists who received training in oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery regarding JAR was low. The practice of participants of both specialties towards JAR were variable.