Date of Award

2018

Embargo Period

8-1-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Oral Rehabilitation

College

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Theodore D. Ravenel, V

Second Advisor

Timothy R. Rohde

Third Advisor

Robert P. Bethea

Abstract

Introduction: The use of CBCT in endodontics has been gaining momentum with the awareness of its advantages over conventional periapical radiographs. Many specialty endodontic practices have incorporated the use of this technology into their practices and use it on a routine basis for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Other dental specialties and general dentists are also recognizing the advantages of this technology and adopting it into their practices. The purpose of this study was to determine general dentist’s use and knowledge of CBCT and if a CBCT machine in an endodontist’s office affects their referral pattern. Materials & Methods: An electronic survey was sent to the 2200 members of the South Carolina Dental Association e-mail listserv. The survey consisted of 10 questions on knowledge and use of CBCT, access to CBCT, degree of dental training/specialty, demographics, and referral patterns to endodontists from general dentists. Results: A total of 157 people completed the survey in the 2 week timeframe for a total response rate of 7.14%. Of the respondents who were specialists, 66.67% have a CBCT on-site for their use versus 23.97% of general dentists. General practitioners thought CBCT use was warranted “frequently” or “always” for calcified cases (57.50%), conventional root canal treatment (20.81%), differential diagnosis (53.53%), external/internal resorption (73.34%), identification of periradicular lesions (44.17%), immature teeth (28.45%), intentional replantation (36.66%), missing or untreated canals (86.56%), retreatment (84.16%), surgery (80.50%), to assess healing (28.33%), and vertical root fracture (70.84%). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between general dentists and specialists for differential diagnosis, external/internal resorption, missing or untreated canals, retreatment, and vertical root fracture. For general dentists who do not have a CBCT machine on-site, 53.01% said they would be more likely to refer to an endodontist who did have a CBCT.

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