Materials and Techniques for Endodontic Treatment Used in the German Army

In 1999 more than 10 million root canals of patients covered by social health insurance were treated in Germany. The objectives of this study was to evaluate materials and techniques used by dentists of the German Army when performing endodontics. In 1999 standardized questionnaires were mailed to the Headquarters of the German Army in Bonn and distributed to all their dentists. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS (version 7.5). A very high response rate was obtained (340/370=92%) giving the study a high reliability. Conventional radiography is most often used (97%), while digital techniques came to 16.9%. Most dentists of the army (78%) take a diagnostic radiograph and they all determine working length (100%) that way, with 98% doing a final radiograph. Endometric systems are used only by 11.4%. About 1/3 state to use rubber dam every time (28%). Hand instruments play the main role in root canal treatment (99%): preferably H-files (81%) followed by K-reamers (49%) and K-files (37%). Interestingly about one third are familiar with rotating systems (32%) and mainly use NiTi-files (24%). The favoured irrigation solutions are NaOCl (86%) and H2O2 (74%). Canals were disinfected mostly with Ca(OH)2 (92%) or Ledermix (72%). Lateral condensation is most widespread (89%) with the single cone technique still being used by 33%. Thermoplastic filling procedures are rare (4%). Two sealers are preferred (AH26 - 42%, Diaket - 36%) with a calcium hydroxide-containing being the next (Sealapex 19%). In comparison to former surveys in Germany significant improvements have been made in instruments and techniques available for endodontic treatment. Nevertheless new items like rotating NiTi-files or thermoplastic filling procedures are not yet enough sufficiently integrated in the German Armies dentist´s routine.