Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding obturation in endodontic...

The purpose of this study is to analyze dental professionals' and students' current understanding, attitudes, and usage of obturation trends in endodontic management.

A national cross-sectional survey of 422 dental professionals and students was carried out using a structured questionnaire The questionnaire included 34 multiple-choice questions concerning demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relevant to endodontic obturation. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. The study applied descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of proportion with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval for analysis to assess the participants' comprehension, attitudes, and use of obturation procedures.

The study comprised 422 participants, the majority of whom were females (68.0%) with an average age of 24.55 ± 3.31 years. Final-year students, interns, postgraduate students, dentistry faculty, and private practitioners were among those who took part. The majority of respondents (91.2%) correctly identified the goal of root canal obturation and identified Gutta Percha and Sealer as the standard obturation material (98.8%). Obturation has a significance in root canal treatment results, according to 81.0% of respondents. 64.5% were willing to explore new obturation methods, and 72.0% said they would use newer obturation materials or equipment if it was advantageous. In routine, lateral compaction was the primary obturation technique (73.2%), with just 4.0% using a rubber dam on a regular basis. Only a small percentage (11.1%) were happy with the present efficiency and predictability of obturation procedures, whereas 58.8% noted occasional difficulties in attaining proper root canal obturation. Documentation methods were subpar, with 43.6% regularly noting obturation techniques and materials in patients' records. A sizable proportion (58.5%) underwent retreatment operations for unsuccessful obturations, highlighting the need for improved obturation outcomes. Bioceramic sealer use and comprehension varied greatly (11.1% utilized it).

In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need of better knowledge and application of obturation trends in endodontics. Key findings include a desire for better materials, an understanding of the importance of obturation, and an openness to new ideas. The difficulties in getting optimal results underline the need of standardized education.