Concepts of restoring endodontically treated teeth among dentists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to investigate the current concepts, opinions, techniques and materials used on how to restore the endodontically treated teeth (ETT) among dentists in Saudi Arabia. A self administrative questionnaire especially designed for this study was distributed among a conveniently selected sample. A total of 204 questionnaires were completed (Response rate = 30%). Irrespective of their occupational experience, 62% of the surveyed dentists considered the remaining tooth structure while restoration of ETT while 10% will always place a post in ETT. More than half of the surveyed dentists (52%) believed that a post reinforces ETT either always or sometimes. Majority of the participants agreed that ferrule effect will always (46%) or sometimes (32%) increase the fracture resistance of an ETT. Prefabricated posts were used by 53% and cast posts by 37% of all the participants. The use of parallel sided prefabricated posts, made of metal (29%) or non metal (29%), was the most preferred technique by the surveyed dentists. 60% of the participants agreed that 2/3rd of the canal should be used for the post length. Composite resin (57%) was preferred for core foundation, followed by amalgam (19%) among the participants. Posts are placed primarily with glass ionomer cement (48%), followed by resin cement (22%) and zinc phosphate cement (21%). The use of the posts was common and the belief that a post reinforces an ETT might explain the reason for its usage by the Saudi dentists. The use of prefabricated post, composite resin as core material and glass ionomer as luting cement is common, while restoring ETT by the Saudi dentists. Endodontic failure was thought to be the most common reason for failure of ETT by the Saudi dentists.