Introduction Chemical irrigation is a crucial component of endodontic therapy, and irrigation adjuncts increase the efficiency of non-surgical root canal system disinfection, reduce microbial loads, and enhance the penetration of irrigants throughout the root canal system. This study aimed to determine the current trends in chemical irrigation and its adjunct use during root canal therapy by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey sent to GDPs and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Responses were accepted from November 2019 till May 2020. The survey was randomly distributed to consenting participants. The results are presented using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 302 participants responded to the survey, with a 44% response rate. The majority of responses were from GDPs (54%), while 46% were from endodontic specialists. Regarding the workplace, 59% of respondents were public sector professionals, 25% were private sector professionals, and 16% were both public and private sector professionals. Around 30% of the respondents used sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) as their primary irrigation solution during root canal treatment, with 52% using it at its full-strength concentration and 18% and 17% preferring to use it in combination with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) only or EDTA and saline, respectively. When asked to rank the reasons for choosing their irrigant of choice during therapy; antibacterial capability and tissue dissolution were the most crucial factors to 80% and 57% of participants, respectively. Half of the respondents irrigated the canal to 2 mm from the apex and 21% irrigated to 1 mm from the apex. Three-quarters of participants aimed to remove the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used adjuncts to irrigation, and 71% reported that their choice of irrigation solution would differ depending on whether the apex is open or closed. Conclusion Most respondents used full-strength NaOCI concentration as the main irrigation solution and routinely removed the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used irrigation adjuncts such as ultrasonics.
Keywords: cross-sectional survey; endodontic therapy; irrigation; irrigation adjuncts; sodium hypochlorite.
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