Author/Authors :
Raoof، Maryam نويسنده Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Kerman Medical University, Kerman, Iran , , HEIDARIPOUR، MARYAM نويسنده Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran , , Shahravan ، Arash نويسنده Kerman Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , , Haghani، Jahangir نويسنده Kerman Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , , Afkham، Arash نويسنده New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, USA; , , Razifar، Mahsa نويسنده Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; , , Mohammadizadeh، Sakineh نويسنده Instructor, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ,
Abstract :
Introduction: Despite being the gold standard as well as a routine technique in endodontics,
radiographic working length (WL) determination owns many drawbacks. Electronic apexlocators
(EALs) are recommended to complement radiographies. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the perceptions of Iranian general dental practitioners (GDPs) towards using
radiography and EAL. Methods and Materials: Three hundred and ninety one GDPs
attending the 53th Iranian Dental Association Congress completed a questionnaire focusing on
the use of radiography and EALs during the various stages of root canal treatment. The data
was analyzed with the chi-square test with the level of significance set at 0.05. The results were
then calculated as frequencies and percentages. Results: More than half of the GDPs reported
using radiographs as the sole method for WL determination. A total of 30.4% of the
practitioners were using the combined approach during root canal therapy of a single-rooted
tooth, while 38.9% used this method in multi-rooted teeth. Approximately half of the
respondents would not order follow-up radiographies after root canal treatment. Conclusion:
Radiography continues to be the most common method for WL determination in Iran.
