(PR23) Current Trends in Endodontic Obturation: A Web Based Survey Comparing General Dentists and Endodontists

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current trends in obturation techniques and compare them between general dentists and endodontists. An e-mail invitation was sent to 81,091 members of the American Dental Association (ADA) and 4,985 members of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Each participant was asked between 12-16 questions based on their individual responses. Questions investigated types of materials, techniques utilized to obturate, and desirable properties when selecting materials and techniques. When considering only the opened emails, 11.1% responded (n=3281; AAE=819; ADA= 2462). Chi-squared tests of homogeneity were run with post hoc pairwise comparisons using multiple z-tests of two proportions with Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was accepted at p<.001. Significant differences were found between ADA and AAE members regarding the use of the following types of sealers: ZOE, Ca(OH)2, bioceramic, and “unknown.” Significant differences were also found for the following obturation techniques: lateral compaction, warm vertical compaction, continuous wave, carrier-based, and hybrid. Significantly more ADA members utilize ZOE, Ca(OH)2, and “unknown” sealers and perform obturation with lateral compaction and carrier-based techniques while significantly more AAE members utilize bioceramic sealers and perform obturation with warm vertical compaction, continuous wave, and hybrid techniques.