Comparison of Treatment Approaches of Endodontists and General Dentists to Patients Presenting Pain During or After Root Canal Treatment

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate, through a survey, the differences between physicians' approaches to patients who apply to dentistry clinics with pain due to endodontic reasons. Material and Methods: The survey prepared for dentists working as general dentists and in the field of endodontics throughout Türkiye was organized via Google Forms and sent to the participants by e-mail. Volunteer dentists who agreed to participate in the study were included in the sample. A total of 203 dentists, including 56 endodontists and 147 general dentists, participated in survey. The survey was designed in two parts. The first part consisted of personal information such as age, gender and education level. The second part aimed to identify different approach protocols during endodontic treatment practices of dentists. Endodontists’ and dentists’ methods of following current issues, single-session or multi- session preferences, and treatment approaches to patients presenting with pain were evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between endodontists’ and dentists’ methods of following current issues; single-session or multi-session preferences, and treatment approaches to patients presenting with pain (p<0.05). Conclusion: During treatment of pulpal and periapical infections, behavior and attitude of treating dentist are closely related to the level of expertise. In addition, different clinical scenarios also affect these behaviors. Additionally, the results of the current study showed that both endodontists and general dentists prescribe antibiotics at high rates.