Abstract
The purpose of the present study is an up-to-date assessment of the knowledge and skills of Saudi orthodontists regarding the time frame required before the commencement of orthodontic tooth movement, and their views on the best orthodontic management of traumatized teeth. A cross-sectional study was performed by utilizing survey research techniques. The short self-administered questionnaire here used included demographic data, clinician's opinion of the most appropriate time frame to receive orthodontic treatment, and his approach and management of patients with different types of traumatized teeth. The questionnaire was mailed electronically to all Saudi orthodontists. A total of 166 subjects (91 females and 75 males) participated in the study. A period of three months was recommended by most participants as necessary before moving crown and crown/ root-fractured teeth, root canal treated teeth, and teeth with injury to the periodontium. On the other hand, the survey shows that the best time to initiate orthodontic movement for patients with root-fractured teeth was after twelve months. The majority of respondents prefer performing regular radiographic examination, opting for reducing the applied orthodontic forces, and performing regular pulp vitality tests as the best follow-up management of traumatized teeth with different types of dental trauma. In conclusion, the study reveals the imperative necessity of an accurate history documentation of any previous dental trauma, thus making such an inquiry a major part of every orthodontic diagnosis. Lastly, when dealing with traumatized teeth, it is important to perform a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation before and during the orthodontic treatment.