The epidemiology of endodontic complexity in general dental practice: a prevalence study

Aim To determine the prevalence and the epidemiology of the factors influencing endodontic complexities in general dental practice. Method Eligible cases where endodontic treatment was indicated as a treatment option were collected by a total of 30 general dental practitioners based in the UK. Online-based Endodontic Complexity Assessment Tool (E-CAT) was used to determine the perceived complexity of each case. In total, 22 categories, including patient- and tooth-related factors, were recorded. Results Collectively, 435 non-surgical root canal treatment cases were assessed. Overall, 72% of the root canal treatments encountered in general dental practice were found to be either uncomplicated (Class I) or moderately complicated (Class II) and can be considered within the remit of general dental practitioners. Despite the relatively equal distribution of the assessed teeth, the proportion of extraction as a proposed treatment for posterior teeth was more than double that of anterior teeth. Conclusion The results obtained in this study provide a good resource and databank for researchers, educators, public health commissioners and academic institutions to access a wide range of information concerning the prevalence and distribution of endodontic complexity.