Choice of intracanal medication and obturation techniques amongst Jordanian dentists

ABSTRACT

To gather information about root canal treatment performed by Jordanian dentists. A questionnaire was distributed to dental practitioners randomly regarding the provision of endodontic treatment in their practices. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 12, simple descriptive statistics together with Chi-square [x2] test were used. A total of 201 questionnaires were collected, three of the questionnaires were not completed because the respondents did not perform endodontic treatment, giving a completion rate of 98.5%. The most commonly used inter-appointment medicament was Tricresol formaline [55.4%]. Gutta-percha was used by the majority of the respondents [92.4%]; the most commonly used obturation technique was cold lateral condensation [70.4%]. The majority [52%] of the respondents used Sealapex root canal sealer. While the most commonly used temporary filling material was Zinc oxide-eugenol [71.5%]. Almost all the respondents [99%] restored the access cavity by themselves and 59.2% of them did the restoration one week after the obturation. Majority of the respondents [75.4%] don't take a post-operative radiograph for their patients or follow them up. The main cause, which predominated among 51.1% of the respondents, was the lack of motivation of the patients. The most common reason for referral to specialist treatment was retreatment. About half of the respondents believed that their endodontic treatment should be improved. Current practice lies below the international standards and quality assurance guidelines. More emphasis should be placed on undergraduate endodontic teaching, also, establishing a postgraduate education is needed