Materials and Techniques used by General Dental Practitioners in Libya during Endodontic Treatment of Permanent Molar Teeth

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the current trends in routine endodontic treatment of molar teeth performed by Libyan general dental practitioners (GDPs). Materials and methods: A total of 750 structured questioners enquiring about various aspects of endodontic treatment were dispersed among GDPs who work in public and private clinics in five major Libyan cities (Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha, Misrata, Albida). Results: Of the 750 questionnaires, 337 completed replies were received. The response rate was 44.9%. Amongst those 88.1% performed endodontic treatment for molar teeth, while 11.9% mentioned that they refe difficult clinical cases to endodontic specialists. 21.1% of GDPs used rubber dam for isolation. About 95.3% used radiograph for working length determination and only 4.7% used apex locater. More than half of participants (58.2%) never found MB2 canal in upper molars, and only 2% of them used magnification tools during root canal treatment. The majority of GDPs (90.8%) used sodium hypochlorite as an intra-canal irrigant, while calcium hydroxide was used by 60.5% of GDPs as an intra-canal medicament, followed by formocresol (39.5%).The step-back and crown-down preparation techniques were the methods of choice in this study with a percentage of 61.4% and 24.9% respectively. Hand instruments were used by 64.4% and rotary instruments were used by 35.6% of the GDPs. Cold lateral condensation was used by 76.6%, while the rest used single cone technique for obturation. Zinc oxide eugenol was used by 73.9%. The majority of the GDPs completed root canal treatment in three visits or even more (85.4%). Conclusions: Majority of Libyan GDPs performed root canal treatment for molar teeth starting with pre-operative radiograph, used variety of endodontic materials and techniques, and implemented new materials and technologies when they became obtainable. Yet, most GDPs used step-back technique for canal preparation and lateral condensation for obturation. Few GDPs used rubber dam which highlights the importance of applying policy and regulations for good-quality practice.