A survey assessing the knowledge and perception of dental practitioners on the need for prophylactic endodontic treatment in abutment teeth for fixed partial dentures

BACKGROUND: Tooth preparation for fixed prosthodontic procedures often induces enough thermal or mechanical stresses on the pulp. The extent of pulpal injury and ability to repair depends on factors like amount of remaining dentin, extent of heat produced, and permeability of dentinal tubules. However, there is no infallible method to predict the pulpal response and so the treatment outcome. AIM: This survey tries to assess the knowledge and perception among dental practitioners on the need for prophylactic endodontic therapy in abutment teeth for fixed partial denture (FPD). SETTING AND DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey. METHODOLOGY: An observational study was then conducted among 303 dental practitioners in the state of Tamil Nadu and 250 participants responded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The survey further imparts light on the clinical outcomes that help minimize the incidence of biological failure underneath a FPD.