Endodontic treatment performed by Flemish dentists. Part 2. Canal filling and decision making for referrals and treatment of apical periodontitis.

AIM: To gather information on root-canal treatment carried out by dentists working in Flanders (Belgium).
METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire reported in a previous study was also used to gather information on canal medicaments, canal filling, and in decision making for referrals and treatment of apical periodontitis.
RESULTS: Calcium hydroxide as an interappointment dressing was used by 69.7% of the respondents. Approximately one-third of the respondents did not use any intracanal medicament. Caustic products used for pulp tissue fixation were used by 66.8% of the respondents. Cavit (48.2%) and glass-ionomer (31.3%) were the temporary coronal-filling materials used most often, followed by zinc oxide-eugenol and IRM(R). Cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha was the filling technique most used by the respondents (65.8%). Single-cone gutta-percha placement (16%), paste techniques (4.9%) and silver points (3.9%) were still used. Resin-based sealers were used most often (88.6%). Paraformaldehyde containing sealers such as Endomethasone and N2 were used infrequently. Approximately half of the practitioners were satisfied with their canal-filling technique, others felt that they could do better (43.0%); 0.7% were not satisfied. In cases with apical periodontitis, the size of periapical lesions and/or the presence of a root filling influenced the choice of endodontic treatment. The most common reasons for referral of endodontic cases were: retrieval of silver points, surgery, and post removal.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that techniques and methods used for canal medication and canal filling were acceptable for the majority of the respondents. Re-treatment was underestimated as a treatment option.