Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to undertake 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 of best orthodontic management of traumatized teeth. A cross-sectional study was performed by utilizing survey research techniques. The short self-administered questionnaire used here consisted of demographic data, clinician's opinion of the most appropriate time frame to receive orthodontic treatment, and the clinician's approach and management for patients with different types of traumatized teeth cases. This questionnaire was mailed electronically to all Saudi orthodontists. A total of 166 orthodontists 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, opted for reducing the applied orthodontic forces, and performing regular pulp vitality tests as the best follow-up management of a traumatized teeth with different types of dental trauma. The study reveals the imperativeness of performing an accurate history documentation of any previous dental trauma and to make 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.