The Use of Guided Tissue Regeneration Techniques among Endodontists: A Web-based Survey

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine factors and clinical situations that influence an endodontist’s decision to use guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques during endodontic root-end surgery. Methods An invitation to participate in a web-based survey was e-mailed to 3,750 members of the American Association of Endodontists. Data were collected from 1,129 participants, representing a 30.1% completion rate. The number of questions varied from 3 to 11 depending on individual responses. Results 40.7% of respondents who perform root-end surgeries also use GTR techniques. The clinical situation in which GTR techniques are used most often is for transosseous lesions. Barrier membranes and bone replacement grafts are each used by more than 85% of respondents using GTR techniques. Insufficient training and insufficient evidence in support of its use were selected as the predominant reasons for not using GTR techniques at 42.4% and 32%, respectively. Conclusions Although over 40% of respondents are currently using GTR techniques in conjunction with their root-end surgeries, a majority of those who do not use GTR indicated they would consider using these techniques with better evidence and available training.