Some aspects of modern endodontic practice and tooth retreatment

   The aim of the research. We aimed to analyze some aspects of endodontic treatment associated with the use of vital and devital methods, instruments and medicines preferred by doctors, root canal treatment techniques, as well as the influence of endodontic morphology on the development of complications and methods of retreatment.

   Materials and methods. We conducted an anonymous survey of dentists. The questionnaire contained 23 questions about the frequency of use of devitalizing pastes, methods of root canal treatment and their complications, detection of additional root canals, their treatment characteristics, identification of endodontic perforations and methods of their closure. 42 dentists who enrolled dentistry cycles in 2022 answered the questions. To compare the data obtained, the method of calculating the Pearson χ² criterion with an assessment of the significance of differences (p) was used. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

   Results. We revealed a sharp predominance of the use of arsenic-free pastes in the treatment of pulpitis (90 %, p = 0.03). Molars in both jaws required endodontic treatment more frequently compared to other types of teeth. The machine technology of root canal processing with the help of rotary NiTi-files was the most important option. The most popular was the Protaper rotary file system (or its varieties Universal, next (52 %, p < 0.05). Additional root canals were most often detected in molars - 81.9 %, with lower molar accounting 41.6 % and upper ones being 40.3 % (p > 0.05). According to the respondents, the most frequent complications of endodontic treatment was file breakages (66.1 %), poor-quality obturation of root canals (60.4 %), and perforations of various levels (28.6 %; p = 0.02). Leading methods and medications for both primary treatment and retreatment were identified.

   Conclusion. Spooner's arsenic paste is practically not used in modern endodontics. Machine technologies for root canal treatment are predominant. The highest frequent detection of complications in molar endodontic treatment is due to the complex morphology of the endodontic structure. MTA Pro Root and its analogues are listed as the most common perforation closure materials.

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