Distribuição geográfica dos pacientes portadores de necessidade endodôntica nos molares permanentes em município da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (MG)

Abstract

Dental caries represent a great challenge to public health and stands out as major dental problem in the reality of the Brazilian population. The purpose of this study was to support the planning of specialized dental care in a city of the large metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, through the characterization of the population that required endodontic treatment in permanent molars in the city’s Dental Specialties Center (CEO). All 205 clinical records of patients who attended the Unit in 2009 were analyzed. Regardless of gender, users were divided into two groups according to age: patients younger than 18 years of age (Group I) and patients older than 18 years of age (Group II). Data regarding gender, the affected teeth, age group and geographic origin were collected. The results showed that 40% of assessed belonged to group I while 60% of the sample belonged to group I. Most were females in both groups. Among the teeth most affected by pulp involvement, the highlights were 36 and 46 (GI) and 26 and 36 (GII). Most users with advanced stage of decay were originated from the north area of the city where the CEO is installed, determining the need for better geographical distribution of the supply of specialized dental care in the city that must consider the geographical barriers, particularly distance and means of transportation. New studies must be conducted to assess possible inequities in the access of citizens of different regional municipality to primary oral health care that may hinder access to specialized care.