Current trends in endodontic practice: emergency treatments and technological armamentarium

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Technology
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• The last comprehensive survey on endodontic treatment modalities was conducted in 1990.
• Current endodontic practice incorporates numerous technological advancements and materials.
• There is a need to assess the contemporary usage of these innovations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of new endodontic technologies and materials in current practices.
• To compare current endodontic treatment modalities with historical data.
• To understand the adoption rate of advanced endodontic tools.

Main Methods:

• An e-mail questionnaire was distributed to 636 active diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics.
• A response rate of 35% (232 diplomates) was achieved.
• Data collected focused on the utilization of various endodontic technologies and materials.

Main Results:

• Calcium hydroxide remains the most frequent intracanal medicament for necrotic pulps.
• Ibuprofen and penicillin are the most commonly prescribed medications for pain and infection, respectively.
• High adoption rates were reported for ultrasonics (97.8%), digital radiography (72.5%), and microscopes (45.3%).
• Hand files are still used by 82% of respondents during cleansing and shaping.
• Lateral condensation and continuous wave are prevalent obturation techniques.

Conclusions:

• New endodontic technologies are being actively integrated into contemporary endodontic practices.
• Significant advancements in materials and techniques have been adopted since the last survey.
• The findings reflect a modernizing landscape in endodontic treatment modalities.