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Abstract

The goal of endodontic treatment is to prevent and eliminate infection. This is achieved by mechanical and chemical cleaning of the root canal. Chemical cleaning is a process in which irrigants are introduced in the root canal to eradicate bacteria and flush out debris. A study was conducted to assess the type, concentration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), volume, sequence and method of delivery system of different irrigants used by general practitioners (GP) and endodontists (ENDO) in treating teeth with vital (VP) or non-vital pulp (NVP). We hypothesized that there are no significant differences between the groups regarding the method of irrigation in root canal treatment. Methods: 1) A total of 68 samples of bleach were collected from GP offices in Vancouver. Using titration, the concentration of hypochlorite in these bleach samples was calculated. 2) A questionnaire was sent to 150 GP and 42 ENDO registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. Results: The overall response rate to our questionnaire was 70.3%. Irrigants used in treating teeth with VP were NaOCl: ENDO 93.4%, GP 89.9% (p=0.445), EDTA: ENDO 72.9%, GP 35.1% (p