A survey of contemporary methods of restoring

endodontically treated teeth in Riyadh area-Part I: Anterior teeth

Sahar Sabbak, BDS, MSc , Amal Al-Qahtanr, BDS 
Huda Tulba, BDS
Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA

Proper selection of a restoration for endodontically treated teeth is mandatory. This study was initiated to detect the frequency of preferred methods of restoring endodontically treated anterior teeth under different conditions. A questionnaire was distributed among prosthodontists and general practitioners in Riyadh area. They were also asked to indicate their year and institution of graduation, acquired degree and current institution. In the questionnaire, they were asked about their preferred restorative methods of the teeth under different clinical conditions. Responses from 150 dentists were collected and statistically analyzed. The results indicate that 71.3% of respondents preferred to use a composite restoration when more than 50% of sound tooth structure remains (condition A). When about 50% of sound tooth structure remains (condition B), most of the respondents preferred to use composite/crown (39.3%). However, when less than 50% of sound tooth structure remains (condition C), 79.3% of respondents preferred to use a cast post and core/crown. When the teeth are used as abutments for fixed or removable partial dentures (F/RPDs), the use of a more advanced methods of restorations is preferred. Other factors were found to affect the choice of treatment method. It can be concluded that most of respondents of this study are clinically capable of making proper decisions concerning the restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth.

Saudi Dental Journal 2004:16(1)21-28.