A survey of filling methods, intracanal medications, and instrument breakage

The present survey was conducted to obtain answers to some basic questions regarding the use of intracanal medications, root canal filling methods, an d the intracanal breakage of instruments. A letter was sent to 300 endodont ists listed in the 1995-1996 membership roster of the American Association of Endodontists. Eighty-five replies were received. Calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medication was used by 91.7% of the responding endodontists. Wi th regard to the root canal filling technique, 52.9% used the lateral conde nsation method. When intracanal breakage occurred, 95.3% of the respondents informed the patient. The results of this survey provide useful informatio n for the education of undergraduate dental students.