Comparison of the First Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Current Situation in Ankara and İstanbul inTerms of Dentistry: Descriptive Research

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the pandemic and the control measures implemented to contain it on the dentistry. The study also aims to identify the changes that have occurred in the field of dentistry and to compare the initial period of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Türkiye with the present situation. Material and Methods: The study assessed a total of 424 patients, with the first group being evaluated in May 2020 and the second group being evaluated in November 2022. A record was taken of the patients, detailing when they were admitted, the reason for admission, their history of systemic disease, the number of people accompanying them, and whether they had any symptoms such as cough, respiratory distress, or nasal discharge. The information from both batches was then compared. Results: During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, endodontic pain was the most prevalent complaint, followed by restorative issues such as tooth decay or tooth fracture. However, in the final stages of the pandemic, the most common complaint was about restorative issues. Temporomandibular joint disease was the second most frequent condition among the patients. Conclusion: While the number of patients who applied for dental care was low in the first period of the pandemic, the number started to increase again in the last period. It is thought that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused an increase in temporomandibular joint disorders in individuals.