[Determination of working length in general endodontic practice]

Accurate determination of root canal length is essential for successful endodontic therapy. Two methods are generally accepted for working length measurements: radiographic length determination and by the means of electronic apex locators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the working length determination habits of Hungarian dentists using a survey form containing 15 selective closed questions for data collection. The results indicate that 70% of the dentists preferred the radiographic method. 19% of the responders employ electronic apex locator. 21% of dentists relied on fingertip tactile sense or on the patient's response. 44% of the responders determined the working length after pulp tissue removal. 22% of dentists make the measurements at the end of root canal instrumentation. 34% of the dentists disregard the evaluation of the preoperative radiographs for the estimated working length determination. The results suggest that whilst most of the general practitioners use the techniques currently taught in dental schools, a large proportion of them apply methods not accepted by contemporary dental profession.