[Materials and technics in root canal treatments in Switzerland--a determination of their status]

No data is available on either the materials nor techniques used by Swiss clinicians when doing root canal therapy (RCT). Consequently, in January 1993 questionnaires were posted to all dentists registered with the Swiss Dental Association, excluding those known not to practice RCT. Sixteen questions were answered detailing the disinfecting and obturating materials used, which types of files, preparation and obturation techniques were used and which radiographs were taken during RCT. Demographic details were also answered. Of the 3353 questionnaires posted, 2091 (62.4%) were completed and returned. Major results showed that 50.6% of the responding clinicians used AH26 to obturate canals, 45% Endomethasone and 36.6% N2. Canals were disinfected using Ledermix (81.2%), Asphaline (67.6%), Ca(OH)2 (60.2%). Clinicians used H2O2 and NaOCl equally frequently (75%). Hedstroem files, reamers and flexofiles were used by 52%, 29% and 26% of the clinicians, respectively. Canals were obturated by single-cone technique (68%), lateral condensation (34%), or by using only a paste or sealer (23%). 86.4% take a diagnostic radiograph, 69.2% determine working length from radiographs, and 91.5% take a final radiograph as well. Too many Swiss clinicians still use formaldehyde-containing products in root canal therapy coupled with a "single cone" or a "no cone" obturation technique.