Dentists’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Root Canal Treatment Procedure: Survey-based Research

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this survey was to assess the dentists' knowledge, attitude and practice of endodontic treatment procedures and materials in Damascus city (capital of Syria), and the effect of endodontic specialty and years of experience on the survey findings.Materials and methods: Two hundred direct contacts (25 multiple-choice questions containing) questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected dentists practicing in Damascus city in 11 different areas, and a questionnaire contained questions regarding dentists' knowledge, attitude, and practice of root canal treatment procedure. The collected data were entered into a personal computer and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), 25 edition.Results: One hundred eighty-eight questionnaires were collected with a 94% response rate. About 71.8% were general dental practitioners (GDPs), 25.5% were not practicing molar endodontics, and only 5.3% were referring difficult cases to endodontists. 32.4% and 21.8% of respondents were practicing vital and necrotic single visit root canal treatment, respectively. Only 6.9% were using rubber dam isolation, and more than half of the respondents used the standardized preparation technique. Non-setting calcium hydroxide was used 100% as an intra-canal medicament during necrotic root canal treatment sessions.96.3% of our respondents prefer delaying final restoration to next visit for symptoms disappearance. Conclusion:It was evident that more practicing experience does not improve treatment options selections of endodontic treatment. So the continuous educational programs are a very important way to change the old or wrong concepts in dental offices. Clinical significance:The sample covered a large number of dentists who are working in Damascus; the most developed place in Syria. It is also considered that for carrying out such kind of surveys as long as the dentists are familiar with this type of studies.

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

“…A study from USA demonstrated a clear inclination to single visit endodontics especially in cases without apical periodontitis. (21) Due to lack of experience and clinical skills in performing single visit endodontic treatment, some dentists prefer to treat in multiple visits. (9) They may wait until the subsidence of pain and other symptoms before obturating the root canal/s.…”

Root canal treatment from patients’ perspective: Knowledge, awareness, and expectations

“…We believe that this was due to the fact that patients were unaware of endodontics 2,20 . In previous studies, the most important criterion for patients was the skill and experience of the staff 6,8,21 , which we noticed, too. More than half of the participants reported their endodontics treatment done before.…”

“…Pain experience causes patients to hesitate the treatment and become more frightened of it 8 . The main reason for patients to avoid going to the dentist was the fear of pain 10,11 .…”

“…According to the survey conducted by Daudet al 2 , 52% of the patients gained knowledge about the treatment through their relatives and friends. Subjects who were unaware of the specialized treatment, reported the use of home remedies for relieving pain, which comprised the use of clove oil, balm application, self medications, and heat pack, but they were mainly among the geriatric group (12.73%) 8,19 .…”

“…These fears can be attributed to the ignorance of patients about root canal procedures. Patients often do not understand the nature of endodontic treatment and what it involves 7,8 . Studies in the past had highlighted the need to provide more information about it 4,9 .…”