This study evaluated the management preferences in a deep carious vital tooth. A questionnaire was e-mailed to members of the Turkish Dental Association. The questionnaire included a photograph and radiographs of an extremely deep carious molar (#16) of a 30-year-old man suffering from cold and chewing sensitivity. The dentists were asked to choose treatments for pulp exposure of <1, 1-2, and ≥2 mm and a permanent restoration. Chi-squared test was used to analyse data (p < 0.05). 504 (4.84%) of 10 411 dentists responded. When the pulp exposure was <1 mm: direct pulp capping (84.9%); 1-2 mm: root canal treatment (49.6%); ≥2 mm: root canal treatment (85.7%) were the most preferred treatments. 69.6% of the respondents chose direct composite restorations. If the tooth would be an abutment, most respondents preferred root canal treatment, regardless of the perforation size. The extent of pulp exposure and the type of permanent restoration influenced the treatment decision-making process.
Keywords: carious lesions; pulp cappings; pulp exposure; questionnaires and surveys; root canal therapy.
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