title: Techniques and materials used by general dentists during endodontic treatment procedures: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about which materials and techniques general dentists (GDs) use during endodontic procedures. The objectives were to quantify GDs' use of specific endodontic tools, quantify inappropriate use, and ascertain whether inappropriate use is associated with GDs' practice characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  GDs in The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network reported in a questionnaire materials and techniques they use during endodontic procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among eligible GDs, 1,490 (87%) participated. Most (93%; n = 1,383) used sodium hypochlorite to irrigate. The most commonly used sealers were zinc oxide eugenol (43%) and resin (40%), followed by calcium hydroxide (26%). Most (62%; n = 920) used a compaction obturation technique; 36% (n = 534) used a carrier-based method. Most (96%; n = 1,423) used gutta-percha as a filler; 5% used paste fillers. Few used irrigants (n = 46), techniques (n = 49), or fillers (n = 10) that investigators classified as inappropriate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GDs use a broad range of endodontic techniques and materials, often adapting to newer technologies as they become available. Few GDs use tools that the investigators classified as inappropriate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GDs use many types of endodontic techniques and materials, but only a small percentage of them are inappropriate.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Eleazer
authors.forename: Gregg H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Funkhouser
authors.forename: Gregg J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Reams
authors.forename: Alan S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Paul L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Benjamin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004708:Endodontics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials
keywords: Dentistry; endodontic materials; endodontic procedures; general dentist; paste obturation; practice-based research