Current Trends in Regenerative Endodontics: A Web-based Survey.

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Research

Background:

• Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) aim to replace damaged pulp tissue.
• Understanding current clinical practices in REPs is crucial for standardization and advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess contemporary trends in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs).
• To identify current clinician practices regarding case selection and clinical protocols for REPs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to members of the American Association of Endodontists and Endolit.
• The survey collected data on provider demographics, case selection criteria, and clinical protocols for REPs.
• Fisher exact test was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• 85.4% of 272 respondents perform REPs, with 92.2% using sodium hypochlorite irrigant.
• Calcium hydroxide was the most common medicament (68.4%), and blood clot was the preferred scaffold (73.5%).
• Bioceramic materials were used for coronal capping by 93% of providers. International practitioners showed differences in irrigation activation, treatment duration, and instrumenting canal walls.

Conclusions:

• Significant heterogeneity exists in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) concerning case selection and clinical protocols.
• Current REP practices demonstrate notable differences compared to findings from five years prior.
• These variations underscore the dynamic nature and ongoing evolution of regenerative endodontics.