Current Endodontic Practice Research Articles

Current endodontic practice and use of newer technologies in Australia and New Zealand.

This study investigated endodontic clinical preferences, adoption of newer technologies and information sources among dentists and endodontists. Dental and endodontic society members in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed online regarding their endodontic treatment preferences, armamentarium, information sources and continuing professional education (CPE) attendance. Complete responses were received from 71 endodontic specialists or postgraduates (Group E) and 139 general dentists (Group D). Most of Group E used dental operating microscopes (95.8%), endodontic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT; 98.6%) and calcium silicate-based materials (CSBMs; 97.2%), significantly more (P < 0.001) than Group D (86.3% used loupes, <32% used CBCT for endodontics or CSBMs). Most respondents used dental dam always for endodontics (94.3%), electronic apex locators (EAL; 81.0%) and engine-driven nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments (91.4%); Group E had more experience with engine-driven NiTi (P < 0.001). Endodontic CPE attendance was highest at dental association programs (P < 0.001) while hands-on NiTi training attendance was highest via commercial companies (P < 0.05). Online information sources were commonly used (38.8% of Group D, 59.2% of Group E). Dental dam, EAL and engine-driven NiTi were almost universally used. The endodontic group reported high adoption of newer endodontic technologies. Endodontic CPE and information sources should be further surveyed as online engagement evolves. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Removal of gutta-percha and root canal sealer: a literature review and an audit comparing current practice in dental schools

Endodontic failures often require non-surgical retreatment. The most common root canal obturating material is gutta-percha (GP), used in conjunction with various sealers. GP removal can be undertaken thermally and/or mechanically with or without solvents, however, no published guidelines exist. Following a literature review, an audit was undertaken comparing current endodontic practice in Belfast Dental School with the other dental schools across the UK and Republic of Ireland. From the findings, Belfast Dental School decided to introduce rotary files and chloroform to its Conservation Clinic with restrictions for use of the latter, although solvent use is not recommended in every case. Efficiency in removing both gutta-percha and root canal sealer would maximize the ability to disinfect the root canal system and therefore increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

An Investigation of Current Endodontic Practice in Turkey

Objectives. The aim of this study was to gather information about the quality and quantity of root canal treatments carried out by general dental practitioners in Turkey. Methods. Questionnaires were given to 1400 dentists who attended the 16th National Congress organized by the Turkish Dental Association. The participants were asked to answer 34 multiple-choice questions. The questions were subdivided into 3 main topics; general information; general approach to endodontic treatment; and cleaning, shaping, and obturation of root canals. The statistical analysis was carried out by an χ 2-test to compare the means at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results. The response rate for this study was 43%. There was a wide variation in the number of root canal treatments completed per month. Nearly 92% of practitioners stated that they never used rubber dam. The most commonly used working length determination technique was radiographic evaluation (P < 0.05). Sodium hypochlorite was the irrigant of choice with varying concentrations and AH Plus was the sealer of choice (P < 0.05). Resin composite was the most frequently used material for final restorations. Conclusions. Endodontic procedures in general practice in Turkey have differences from widely acknowledged quality guidelines. Despite the introduction of new instruments and techniques, most of the general practitioners chose conventional methods.

Current endodontic practice and training needs in primary care: north west England

This month's research summary focuses on endodontic practice in a primary care setting, and whether new technologies have been adopted to improve the treatment of patients.

Summary of: An investigation of current endodontic practice and training needs in primary care in the north west of England

Summary of: An investigation of current endodontic practice and training needs in primary care in the north west of England

An investigation of current endodontic practice and training needs in primary care in the north west of England

To investigate current endodontic clinical practice in the north west of England and evaluate practitioner's training needs. A questionnaire was posted to 702 primary care dentists in the north west of England in January 2006. The questionnaire investigated aspects of dentists' endodontic clinical practice, the provision of endodontics within their practice, their recent postgraduate training in endodontics and their training needs. Responses to the questionnaire were received from 498 (70.9%) primary care dentists, of which 449 questionnaires contained useful information. Only 30% of respondents use rubber dam for isolation in all endodontic cases. The majority used radiographs either as the only method for establishing the working length (57.3%) or in conjunction with an apex locator (34.5%). Most dentists used sodium hypochlorite solution as an irrigant during the root canal treatment. Almost 55% used a combination of conventional hand files and rotary files to prepare root canals. Fifty-eight percent used the crown down technique while 35% used the step back technique for canal preparation. Almost two-thirds routinely used non-setting calcium hydroxide as an intra-canal medicament. Lateral condensation technique was the popular obturation method and the vast majority of respondents routinely took postoperative radiographs. Almost 25% of respondents had not received any teaching or training in endodontics in the past two years. The results of this study suggest that primary care dentists in the north west of England have embraced modern techniques and follow most aspects of accepted endodontic practice. Despite the majority having postgraduate training in the last two years, only a minority used rubber dam routinely for endodontic treatment.

Treatment choices for negative outcomes with non‐surgical root canal treatment: non‐surgical retreatment vs. surgical retreatment vs. implants

The revision of negative treatment outcomes is a significant part of current endodontic practice. Both non‐surgical and surgical retreatment procedures share the problem of a significant negative outcome in the presence of apical periodontitis. More positive results may be achieved in certain teeth with a combination of both procedures rather than either alone. However, there are pressures to replace these ‘failed’ endodontically treated teeth with implants. When comparable criteria are applied to outcomes, the survival rates of endodontic treatment and implant placement are the same. Time, cost, and more flexible clinical management indicate that endodontic retreatment procedures should always be performed first unless the tooth is judged to be untreatable. Endodontists should be trained in implantology to assist patients and referring colleagues in making informed treatment decisions.

Current practice in endodontics: 6. Retreatments and periradicular surgery.

The prime aim of this series of six articles has been to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This final article considers what may go wrong following completion of root canal treatment, whether orthograde retreatment is possible and how it may be achieved, and if or when periradicular surgery may be indicated.

Current practice in endodontics: 5. Obturation.

The aim of this series of six articles is to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This article first considers the possible reasons for persisting symptoms following preparation of the root canals. It then reviews the many and varied methods of obturating the prepared root canal system that are available to the general dental practitioner. By considering the objectives of their treatment, and their own level of expertise, readers may decide that one or more new techniques may benefit their practice.

Current practice in endodontics: 4. A review of techniques for canal preparation.

The prime aim of this series is to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This article reviews the development of today's endodontic techniques and suggests alternative methods of obtaining a clean and shaped canal, in keeping with the varying requirements of practitioners of differing backgrounds and abilities, while keeping in mind the established aims and objectives of endodontic treatment.

Current practice in endodontics: 3. Access is success, and rubber dam is easy.

The prime aim of this series of articles is to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This, the third article, offers guidance and hints to ease the use of rubber dam, which should be mandatory for root canal therapy. It also considers the shape, position and extent of access cavities. The access cavity can make all the difference in success or failure of endodontic treatment.

Current practice in endodontics: 2. Diagnosis and treatment planning.

The aim of this series of six articles is to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This second article considers the accurate diagnosis of endodontic lesions, which frequently present as emergencies requiring prompt, rapid and efficient attention. The paper then presents the treatment normally indicated once a correct and accurate diagnosis has been made.

Current practice in endodontics.

The aim of this series of six articles is to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in general dental practice by considering what is currently being taught in dental schools. This first article considers the rationale behind endodontic treatment, what we are aiming to achieve and why. It looks at the dental and medico-legal issues which dictate the standards of our practice, and sets out the programme for the series.