Role of endodontics in current dental practice

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Practice Management
• Dental Education

Background:

• A significant portion of general dentists in Illinois perform endodontic procedures.
• Root canal therapy is often undertaken by choice due to practitioner enjoyment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey general dentists in Illinois regarding their endodontic practices.
• To identify common materials, techniques, and medicaments used in root canal therapy.
• To gauge opinions on endodontic education in dental schools.

Main Methods:

• A statistical study was conducted on a representative sample of general dentists in Illinois.
• Survey data was collected on root canal therapy practices, material preferences, and educational views.

Main Results:

• Nearly 90% of dentists perform root canal therapy, often due to enjoyment.
• Kerr's Root Canal Sealer is the most popular sealer; camphorated parachlorophenol is the most used medicament.
• The Sargenti N2 technique is used by 20% of dentists, despite not being taught in American dental schools.
• Apicoectomy is the most common endodontic surgery performed.
• Most dentists believe current endodontic education time is adequate, with a desire for more clinical training if increased.

Conclusions:

• General dentists in Illinois are actively involved in performing root canal therapy.
• Specific materials and medicaments are widely adopted, while some unconventional techniques are also in use.
• There is a consensus among dentists regarding the current amount of time dedicated to endodontics in dental schools, with a preference for enhanced clinical training.