Decision-making of Jordanian dentists when restoring root canal-treated molars: a cross-sectional vignette survey

This study aimed to assess the decision-making of Jordanian dentists when restoring root canal-treated molars (RCTMs) and identify the tooth-related factors influencing restorative treatment decisions.

A previously validated vignette survey, adapted from a UK study, was distributed electronically to registered dentists in Jordan between August and December 2024. The survey comprised three clinical scenarios: UR7 (one remaining wall), LL7 (three remaining walls), and LL6 (one remaining wall with a crack), representing different degrees of structural tooth compromise. Associations between dentist characteristics and restorative preferences were analysed using Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests.

A total of 364 responses were analysed. Participants comprised 50.8% general dental practitioners and 49.2% specialists; 63% had ≤10 years of experience. Crowns were the preferred restoration for the more structurally compromised molars (Scenarios 1 and 3), whereas onlays predominated in Scenario 2. Zirconia was the most frequently selected material among respondents choosing indirect restorations. Remaining walls, ferrule, marginal ridge loss, and tooth position were the most influential factors, whereas skeletal/lateral guidance and periodontal status were less frequently considered. No statistically significant differences were observed between dentist groups in restorative choices or material preferences (P > 0.05).

Jordanian dentists demonstrated broadly consistent decision-making, with indirect restorations generally preferred across the three clinical scenarios. However, variation in consideration of some tooth-related factors suggests opportunities to better align clinical decision-making with evidence-based recommendations.