Single-Visit Endodontic Therapy and Root Canal Identification Practices among Croatian Dentists: Insights from a National SurveyShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: Acta Stomatologica Croatica, ISSN 0001-7019, E-ISSN 1846-0410, Vol. 59, no 2, p. 141-154
Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objective: to analyze a single-visit endodontic treatment together with root canal detection practices in Croatia and investigate their relationship with reported postoperative pain, medication prescrip-tion, magnifying devices, rubber dam, radiographical checks before the procedure, cone-beam com-puted tomography (CBCT) and engine-driven instrumentation. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed via email to all Croatian dental practitioners, with 819 responses analyzed corresponding to an estimated 27% response rate. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis and regression modelling. Results: Among Croatian practitioners, 27.9% frequently performed single-visit endodontic treatments. Male practitioners, practitioners with continuing education and ample experience, endodontic specialists, and those working in polyclinics or academic set-tings were more likely to adopt this approach. It correlated positively also with the use of advanced diagnostic and treatment tools (e.g., magnification devices, rubber dam, CBCT) and a reduction in antibiotic prescription. However, it was associated with increased reported analgesic prescription and a larger number of reported vertical tooth fractures. Practitioners reported less frequently using single-visit endodontic treatments for multi-rooted teeth and those with associated sinus tracts or periradicular lesions. Furthermore, practitioners more often performing single-visit endodontic treatment rate themselves better in finding additional canals, which is positively influenced by usage of radiography and magnification devices. In addition, continuing education has a positive effect on the root-finding abilities, but it decreases with years of their clinical experience. Conclusions: Single-vis-it endodontic treatment practice in Croatia is influenced by practitioner education, experience, and access to advanced equipment. While it offers benefits such as reduced antibiotic prescription, clinical attention and further research is needed to address potentially associated complications such as vertical tooth fractures and reliance on analgesics. Root finding abilities are positively influenced by continuing education. These findings underscore the role of education and resources in optimiz-ing endodontic outcomes.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine , 2025. Vol. 59, no 2, p. 141-154
Keywords [en]
Endodontics, Root-canal finding, Single-visit endodontics
National Category
Odontology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-72621DOI: 10.15644/asc59/2/4ISI: 001517325800004Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105008898674OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mdh-72621DiVA, id: diva2:1980514
2025-07-022025-07-022025-10-10Bibliographically approved