A survey of Australian prosthodontists: the use of posts in endodontically treated teeth

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to gain insight into common practises of Australian prosthodontists when placing a post in an endodontically treated tooth (ETT). METHODS: A 17-question open- and closed-format questionnaire was sent to registered Australian prosthodontists. The response rate was 55% (N = 95). RESULTS: The majority of respondents indicated the purpose of a post was to retain a core (N = 94, 99%). The decision to place a post is affected by the quantity of remaining tooth structure (N = 91, 96%) and the definitive restoration (N = 68, 72%). The ideal post length is neither a short nor long post with the most frequent response (N = 52, 34%) being 'as long as possible without disturbing the apical seal'. The apical seal requirements were defined as 4-5 mm of gutta-percha for 77% of respondents. The most preferred post type was a custom cast metal post (N = 85, 49%). The most popular luting cement was resin composite (N = 84, 39%). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this survey do not provide a definitive guide for restoring an ETT. However, it illustrates how Australian prosthodontists address this clinical challenge. The multiple responses received for a number of questions suggest that the material and technique employed in the Australian context is influenced by the individual clinical case