A survey of current trends in root canal treatment: access cavity design and cleaning and shaping practices

The purpose of this study was to evaluate current trends in access cavity design and cleaning and shaping among endodontists. A survey was e-mailed to active members of the American Association of Endodontists. Data showed that most respondents used traditional (57%) or conservative (43%) access cavities; less than 1% reported using ultraconservative access cavities. A glide path was created by 93% of respondents; NaOCl was used as lubricant by 51% of respondents, while 28% used RC Prep, 9% used liquid EDTA, 7% used Glyde, and 2% did not use any lubricant. Most respondents used NaOCl at 5.25% or higher concentration. Smear layer was removed by 92% of endodontists. Apical gauging was mostly accomplished with hand files. Clinical preferences varied among surveyed endodontists and among different age groups. Currently, very few endodontists use ultraconservative access preparations. There was large variation among the respondents suggesting a possible need for quality guidelines.