Abstract
To analyze the need for referral to a specialist and to identify the reasons of referrals among Lithuanian general dental practitioners. Questionnaires were sent to all 2879 Lithuanian dental practitioners registered on the Lithuanian Dental Chamber license registry. The questionnaire was made with multiple-choice answers. Respondents were asked to choose only one category of answer that best fitted their clinical attitude. Questions included in the questionnaire concerned general and specific information regarding the need and main reasons for endodontic referral. Of the 2879 questionnaires mailed, 1532 questionnaires containing useful information were returned. The response rate was 53.2%. Of the 1532 respondents, 1431 were general dental practitioners. Majority (72.1%) of the respondents performed complicated root canal treatment by themselves. Almost half (49.6%) of them would like to refer patients to an endodontist. Two of the reasons, which restricted their decision, were the shortage of endodontists and high cost of the procedures in the specialized clinics. Approximately 19% of the respondents referred patients to an endodontist. The main reasons for referral were fractured instruments (86.6%), dental trauma (83.6%), difficulties in diagnostics (79%) followed by persistent symptoms (78.1%). The findings of the present study suggest that the need for referral of patients to an endodontist among Lithuanian dental practitioners exists. The main reasons for referrals were complications of endodontic treatment, traumatic injuries, difficulties in diagnostic procedures, and persistent symptoms.
Highlights
Scientific evidence shows that there is a substantial need for root canal treatment in the populations [1,2,3,4,5]
These studies have demonstrated that the success rate of root canal treatment in general dental practice achieved only 60–75%, while the success rate in the studies where endodontic therapy was performed in specialist clinics or dental schools reached up to 96% [6, 7]
Findings showed that with an increase in duration of professional activity, the percentage of respondents who performed endodontic treatment procedures by themselves increased (62.3% of the respondents in the group A vs. 77.5% in the group D; P
Summary
Scientific evidence shows that there is a substantial need for root canal treatment in the populations [1,2,3,4,5]. Several cross-sectional studies within the population in different countries including Lithuania have showed a high prevalence of apical periodontitis associated with root filled teeth (24–61%), and a high rate of inadequate root fillings (38–81%) [1,2,3,4,5] These studies have demonstrated that the success rate of root canal treatment in general dental practice achieved only 60–75%, while the success rate in the studies where endodontic therapy was performed in specialist clinics or dental schools reached up to 96% [6, 7]. In order to improve the quality of endodontic therapy performed by general dentists, it is important
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
