Post-COVID-19 Trends in Dental Emergencies: A Two-Year Retrospective Study from Romania
2024

Post-COVID-19 Trends in Dental Emergencies in Romania

Sample size: 4769 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Moca Abel Emanuel, Cherecheș Jessica Olivia, Șipoș Lucian Roman, Moca Rahela Tabita, Slăvescu Dan, Iurcov Raluca

Primary Institution: University of Oradea

Hypothesis

The frequency and types of dental emergencies in Bihor, Romania, increased in the post-COVID-19 period due to delays in treatment caused by pandemic-related restrictions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the high prevalence of acute pulpitis and apical periodontitis in post-COVID-19 dental emergencies, emphasizing the need for targeted population care and improved access to preventive services.

Supporting Evidence

  • Acute pulpitis and acute apical periodontitis were the most common diagnoses, accounting for 39.2% and 37.5% of cases, respectively.
  • Significant age-related patterns were observed, with pulpitis more common in patients aged 10–39 years.
  • Trauma was associated with patients aged 0–9 years, while gingival infections were prevalent in the 70–79 age group.
  • No significant differences in diagnosis frequency were found between genders or between rural and urban patients.

Takeaway

This study looked at dental emergencies after COVID-19 and found many people had serious dental problems that needed help, especially kids with tooth decay.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis of medical records from the Emergency Dental Service at Oradea County Emergency Clinical Hospital was conducted, focusing on patients presenting with dental emergencies during 2022 and 2023.

Potential Biases

The reliance on retrospective data may introduce reporting bias.

Limitations

The study's retrospective design may introduce reporting bias, and it was conducted at a single center, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

The study included 52.3% males and 47.7% females, with a larger proportion residing in urban areas (58.0%) compared to rural areas (42.0%).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/dj12120401

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