Endodontic Practices Among Dentists in Zliten and Alkhums, Libya
A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59743/jaf.v10i1.938Keywords:
Endodontic Treatment, General Dental Practitioners, Sodium Hypochlorite, Canal Irrigation, Dental EducationAbstract
The aim of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice protocols of endodontic treatment procedures among dentists in Zliten and Alkhums, Libya. A questionnaire was distributed to 250 randomly selected dentists, and 197 completed questionnaires were collected, with a 79% response rate. The questionnaire covered various aspects of endodontic practice. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Most of the respondents were GDPs, with only 2 being endodontists. A majority had <5 years’ experience (41%), and 35% had >10 years’ experience. Sodium hypochlorite was used as an irrigant by 95% of respondents, and 75% used side-vented endodontic irrigation needles. However, only 35% used rubber dam isolation, the remainder using saliva ejectors with cotton rolls as isolation methods. Lateral condensation was the most widely used obturation technique (68%), followed by single cone (29%). RCT in multiple visits was carried out by 32% of the respondents, and 71% referred difficult cases to specialists. Notably, 78% of respondents routinely prescribed antibiotics after RCT, and 49% prescribed analgesics only. The study shows that the dentists need continuing education programs to ensure they remain updated on best practices in endodontic treatment
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