Common Temporary Restorations and Spacers among Endodontists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Coronal leakage is the most common reason for root canal treatment failure. Temporary restorations are necessary for preventing both short- and long-term coronal leakage during and after treatment completion. This study aimed to determine the most commonly used temporary restoration during and post endodontic treatment and the frequency of spacer use. Methods A total of 450 online questionnaires comprising 15 questions (4 demographic questions and 11 questions related to the objective of the study) were sent to endodontists in Saudi Arabia via WhatsApp and Twitter. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 when assessed using a chi-square test. Results A total of 370 (82.22%) participants completed the survey; 56.2% of the endodontists placed cotton pellets between visits but not after obturation (P = 0.001). Most endodontists (65.9%; P = 0.001) adopted cotton pellet placement following obturation for easy removal and ease in locating the pulp chamber prior to the final restoration; 66% of the endodontists did not prefer spacer placement beneath the temporary restoration following obturation (P = 0.001). A total of 68.45% of the dentists, restorative dentists, and prosthodontists preferred the placement of the cotton pellet by endodontists in the pulp chamber (between the gutta-percha and the temporary restoration; P = 0.001). Glass ionomer cement was the most common temporary restorative material used. Double sealing was employed in the anterior (4%) and posterior teeth (66%) (P = 0.001). Conclusions Double sealing with Cavit and glass ionomer cement is the most commonly used technique for access cavity restoration following obturation.