From Pulp Preservation to Root Canal Therapy: Exploring Decision-Making in Pulpal Disease Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375/susj.v15i2.3730Keywords:
Pulpal disease, vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment, dental diagnosis, decision-making, conservative dentistry, pulp preservationAbstract
Background: Timely and accurate diagnosis of pulpal disease is essential for determining appropriate treatment ranging from conservative pulp preservation techniques to root canal therapy (RCT). Understanding dentists’ clinical choices and their diagnostic rationale helps improve patient outcomes and guides evidence-based practice. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making approaches used by dentists in managing pulpal disease, with a focus on the preference for pulp-preserving techniques versus root canal treatment. Methods: A structured, validated questionnaire was distributed to licensed dental practitioners. A total of 329 responses were collected. The questionnaire assessed diagnostic methods, treatment preferences, use of advanced tools, and clinician confidence levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. Results: The most commonly used diagnostic tools were thermal testing (76.3%), evaluation of spontaneous pain (68.1%), and radiographic imaging (61.4%). Conservative treatments were preferred: 34.3% selected indirect pulp capping and 24.3% opted for partial pulpotomy. Root canal therapy was chosen by 14.9% of respondents. While 51.1% expressed high confidence in their diagnostic decisions, 13% reported uncertainty. Conclusion: The findings highlight a growing shift among dentists toward conservative, biologically oriented management of pulpal disease, supported by modern diagnostic techniques and evolving clinical guidelines. Despite this positive trend, variability in confidence and adoption of diagnostic tools suggests a need for continued professional development and standardized protocols.
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