Endodontic treatment performed by Flemish dentists. Part 2. Canal filling and decision making for referrals and treatment of apical periodontitis.
OBJECTIVE
To gather information on root-canal treatment carried out by dentists working in Flanders (Belgium).


METHODS
A questionnaire reported in a previous study was also used to gather information on canal medicaments, canal filling, and in decision making for referrals and treatment of apical periodontitis.


RESULTS
Calcium hydroxide as an interappointment dressing was used by 69.7% of the respondents. Approximately one-third of the respondents did not use any intracanal medicament. Caustic products used for pulp tissue fixation were used by 66.8% of the respondents. Cavit (48.2%) and glass-ionomer (31.3%) were the temporary coronal-filling materials used most often, followed by zinc oxide-eugenol and IRM(R). Cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha was the filling technique most used by the respondents (65.8%). Single-cone gutta-percha placement (16%), paste techniques (4.9%) and silver points (3.9%) were still used. Resin-based sealers were used most often (88.6%). Paraformaldehyde containing sealers such as Endomethasone and N2 were used infrequently. Approximately half of the practitioners were satisfied with their canal-filling technique, others felt that they could do better (43.0%); 0.7% were not satisfied. In cases with apical periodontitis, the size of periapical lesions and/or the presence of a root filling influenced the choice of endodontic treatment. The most common reasons for referral of endodontic cases were: retrieval of silver points, surgery, and post removal.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that techniques and methods used for canal medication and canal filling were acceptable for the majority of the respondents. Re-treatment was underestimated as a treatment option.
Hommez
G M G
GM
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Dental School, Gent, Belgium.
De Moor
R J G
RJ
Braem
M
M
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001530:Belgium; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002424:Caustics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003657:Decision Making; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008768:Methylmethacrylates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000628:therapy*; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019233:Retreatment; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012389:Root Canal Obturation; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002424:Caustics; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D019279:Resin Cements; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C031667:IRM cement; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide