Analysis of a referral-based endodontic practice: Part 1. Demographic data and reasons for referral

There is little information in the dental literature regarding endodontic practice profiles and the reasons for referral to endodontic specialists. This study was undertaken to analyze various details of 2000 patients referred to an endodontist in Perth, Western Australia. The 2000 patients were comprised of 1295 (64.8%) females and 705 (35.2%) males. They were referred by 405 different dentists, clinics, or hospitals. The main reasons for referral were: management of pain (24.1% of patients), calcified/blocked canals (17.7%), endodontic retreatment (15.0%), trauma (12.9%), surgery (6.5%), and perforations (6.0%). Other reasons for referral included root resorption, fractured instruments, combined endodontic-periodontal lesions, second opinions, nervous patients, and medical complications. There were 312 people that did not require endodontic treatment, resulting in 1688 patients having treatment on 2221 teeth. Review appointments were attended by 50.2% of those patients due for recall examinations. The wide range of treatment procedures required and the high number of cases referred for diagnostic reasons indicate that endodontists must be highly skilled in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment procedures.