Current trends in endodontic practice, adaptation to new technologies and attitude of dental practitioners towards endodontic standards in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Endodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with form, function, health and diseases of the dental pulp and peri-radicular region and their relationship with systemic wellbeing and health. This study was carried out to assess the current trends in endodontic practice, adaptation to new technologies and attitude of dentists towards endodontic standards in Sri Lanka. A postal survey was conducted among registered dentists. A pre- designed, pre-tested, anonymous self-administered, structured questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Total response rate was 39.6%. Majority of them were females (58.5%). Most of the respondents (63.9%) were qualified only with BDS and 80.4% of the respondents were practicing in the government hospitals. Most practiced single rooted endodontic cases in main working place (MWP-94.1%) as well as in private practice (PP-93.1%). Majority (Main – 60.9% PP – 70.1%) preferred to complete endodontic treatment within 3 appointments. Low level of using rubberdam isolation, manual instruments manipulated with a step back technique, tactile sensation for working length measurement, over use of systemic antibiotics during endodontic therapy, minimum use of endodontic microscopes and intra oral cameras were some of the striking findings noted among the respondents. The first choice of root canal irrigant was sodium hypochlorite (MWP- 76.4% PP- 80.4%) followed by normal saline. The most popular obturation technique was cold lateral condensation (MWP – 57.7% PP- 58.3%). There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between using rubberdam in main working place with years of experience. In private practice, using Ni-Ti rotary instruments, using K files, performing step-back technique, using sodium hypochlorite root canal irrigant significantly correlated with years of experience. This study revealed that the standard guidelines and new technologies in endodontics are not practiced by many respondents and require continuous dental education programs in order to update their knowledge and practice. Research grant from University of Peradeniya (RG/2016/85/D) is acknowledged.