Why, when and how are endodontically treated teeth restored

Post-endodontic treatment preferences can be influenced by educational, healthcare, financial, and historical factors. This study aimed to compare the post-endodontic treatment choices – particularly post and single-crown placement – of dentists in Germany and Switzerland. From August to November 2023, a questionnaire was distributed amongst 334 Swiss and 570 German dentists. A total of 50 Swiss dentists (response rate: 15.0%) and 60 German dentists (response rate: 10.5%) completed the survey. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and data presented as percentages. German dentists reported placing posts in 5–20% of endodontically treated teeth, whereas most Swiss dentists did so in less than 5%. Swiss dentists (58%) tended to place posts in teeth with 0–40% remaining tooth structure, while German dentists (60%) began at 40–70%. Regarding post-endodontic restorations, the majority of German dentists (67%) preferred single crowns, whereas most Swiss dentists (68%) favored composite-resin fillings and maintained even teeth with severely reduced coronal hard tissue. These trends were further supported by responses to various clinical case scenarios.