Knowledge, attitude, practice and perception survey on post and core restorations

ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this survey is to gain insight into the choice of endodontic posts and failure mode of different types of posts and their management by the dentist. Material and Methods: Dentists have a wide range of options for the use of endodontic posts, so they should know the preferred post, the failure mode for a different type of post, and its management in case of failure, so questionnaire was prepared based on this. Survey was done among general dentists, endodontists and prosthodontists, through Google Sheets, SurveyMonkey, and manually. 230 dentists (156-general; 45-endodontists; 29-Prosthodontists) participated in this survey. Results: FRC post is preferred post in anteriors among general dentists, endodontists and prosthodontists. The most preferred post in posteriors among endodontists is FRC(49%), prosthodontists is cast post, among general dentists it is cast post and metal posts(36% each). Selection criteria among all the groups are requirement for esthetic crown. Managing endodontic failure among 54% of general dentists, 56% of endodontists and 66% of prosthodontists is post retrieval using ultrasonics followed by retreatment. Fracture of teeth is the predominant reason among all the groups for failure of post retained crown. The management of FRC post failure among endodontists and prosthodontists were ultrasonic retrieval. Commonest failure for FRC post among general dentists and endodontists is post dislodgement wheras among prosthodontists is tooth fracture. Conclusion: Prosthetic rehabilitation of root canal-treated teeth is the ultimate goal of endodontics. Correct knowledge ensures the right attitude in selecting the best post for core retention in endodontically treated teeth.