Opinions of dental professionals from a large American insurance system on outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment

PURPOSE: To assess the opinions of dental professionals working within the Delta Dental insurance system regarding the predictability of initial endodontic treatment, expected long-term outcome and the importance of placing a coronal coverage after completion of treatment. METHODS: An eight-item questionnaire was distributed among participants attending a continuing education course. The questionnaire included four items on practice profile and demographics and four multiple-choice questions regarding participants' opinions on endodontic treatment outcome. RESULTS: 51% of participants responded that the expected retention rate of teeth 5-10 years after endodontic treatment was more than 90%. Sixty-eight percent of participants responded that the need for additional treatment was expected to occur within the first 3 years after initial endodontic treatment. 87% of participants responded that placing coronal coverage after completion of endodontic treatment was very important for long-term tooth retention. Ninety-three percent of participants responded that overall, endodontic treatment was a predictable procedure with long-term tooth retention rate. Statistically significant associations were found between (1) year of experience and expected rate of retention (P < 0.01); (2) participants' years of experience and their responses regarding the need for additional treatment (P < 0.05); and (3) their opinions that endodontic treatment was a predictable procedure with long-term tooth retention rate (P < 0.05).