Root canal treatment and special needs patients

Area of Science:

• Dental Surgery
• Endodontics
• Special Needs Dentistry

Background:

• Root canal treatment (RCT) for patients with special needs presents unique challenges.
• Understanding current treatment trends is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify current trends in root canal treatment for patients with special needs in Australia.
• To compare treatment approaches between General Dentists and specialists.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to General Dentists, Endodontists, and Special Needs Dentists across Australia.
• The survey assessed the extent and methods of RCT performed on special needs patients.

Main Results:

• Specialist practitioners (Endodontists and Special Needs Dentists) performed significantly more RCT on special needs patients compared to General Dentists.
• Common barriers to RCT included patient cooperation, oral hygiene, and movement.
• Specialists were more likely to use conscious sedation, general anesthesia, and perform single-visit RCT.

Conclusions:

• Root canal treatment for special needs patients is predominantly performed by specialists.
• Specialists utilize pharmacological behavior guidance and single-visit treatments more frequently.
• A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to help special needs patients retain their dentition.