Endodontists experience using ultrasonics for removal of intra-canal fractured instruments.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the experience of UK endodontists with aspects of ultrasonic use for removal of intra-canal fractured instruments.


METHODS
A questionnaire form comprising both close-ended and partially close-ended questions with a covering letter explaining the aims of the study and indicating that all information would remain confidential and anonymous were sent to 180 endodontists working in the UK. Non respondents received a reminder with a differently worded covering letter. After collecting the responses, data were entered into SPSS software through which frequencies were determined and the chi-square test at the 0.05 level of significance, when required, was applied.


RESULTS
Overall, 97% of endodontists reported the use of ultrasonics for removal of fractured instruments. The majority of them (78%) used ultrasonics with a coolant at least some of the time. Forty-seven per cent of users activated tips at medium to maximum power settings. The greatest proportion (53%) activated the tips for approximately 10 s.


CONCLUSIONS
Endodontists reported different techniques when using ultrasonics for removal of fractured instruments.
Madarati
A A
AA
School of Dentistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M14 5FH, UK. Ahmad.madarati@hotmail.co.uk
Qualtrough
A J E
AJ
Watts
D C
DC
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity; D003815:Dentists; D004708:Endodontics; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014465:Ultrasonics