A survey of general dental practitioners' approach to the restoration of root-filled teeth.

This paper reports the findings of a survey of a group of general dental practitioners (GDPs) from one region of the United Kingdom. The practitioners were asked to complete a questionnaire investigating their approach to the restoration of root-filled teeth. A high response rate was achieved and the replies indicated that most practitioners restore teeth within 1 month of completing the root filling. Nonprecious cast alloys cores were popular as was amalgam for core build-ups. Most practitioners opted for a post which was two-thirds the length of the root and zinc phosphate was the most popular luting material. Almost one-quarter of respondents believed that a root is strengthened by a post retained restoration and a similar number have never attended a postgraduate meeting on the subject of the restoration of root-filled teeth.