The status of root canal therapy in Switzerland in 1993

No data are available on materials or techniques used by Swiss clinicians for root treatments. Two questionnaires were posted to almost all dentists in Switzerland. The first concerned the materials and techniques used while the second detailed the endodontic procedures carried out during 10 consecutive working days. Reply rates for both questionnaires were 62 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively. Major results showed that 50 per cent of the responding clinicians used AH26 to obturate canals, 45 per cent Endomethasone and 36 per cent N2. Canals were disinfected using Ledermix (81 per cent), Asphaline (67 per cent), Ca(OH)2 (60 per cent), and CMCP (22 per cent). Clinicians used H2O2 and NaOCl equally frequently (75 per cent). Hedström files, reamers and flexo-files were used by 52 per cent, 29 per cent and 26 per cent of the clinicians, respectively. Canals were obturated by the single-cone technique (68 per cent), lateral condensation (34 per cent), or by using only a paste or sealer (23 per cent). Too many Swiss clinicians still use formaldehyde-containing products in root canal therapy coupled with a "single cone" or a "no cone" obturation technique. During the 10 day period Swiss dentists began 4 root treatments or retreatments, changed 2 root canal dressings and root filled 5 teeth. They also completed 8 retreatments and 1 definitive pulpotomy every 100 days.