G. M. G. Hommez, R. J. G. De Moor & M. Braem
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Dental School, Gent, Belgium.
Department of Dental Materials, University of Antwerp, Campus RUCA, Antwerpen, Belgium.  

Introduction.
In Part1of this study (Hommez et al.2003), the opinions and views of a group of Flemish dentists regarding cleaning and shaping canals during root-canal treatment were reported.
The objective of root filling is to prevent passage of microorganisms and fluid between the canal system and periradicular tissues (ESE 1994). Unfortunately, longitudinal studies of endodontic treatment in general dental practice have shown large numbers of teeth with inadequate root fillings associated with periradicular disease. This inevitably results in a growing demand for further treatment. Re-treatment is clearly indicated when a periapical lesion, clinical signs or symptoms are present (Friedman & Stabholz 1986). Despite guidelines provided to simplify endodontic re-treatment decision making (ESE 1994, AAE 1998), large intra- and interindividual discrepancies remain in the estimation of endodontic re-treatment requirements (Aryanpour et al. 2000, McCaul et al. 2001). The complexity of the operative procedures and the variety of treatment alternatives introduce variation into the choice of therapy (Kvist et al. 1994). It has also been shown that decision making depends on the technical problems encountered and the clinical experience, confidence and training of general practitioners (Reit et al. 1985, Reit & Grondahl 1987). In this respect, it is also of interest to understand how practitioners deal with apical periodontitis and which cases are referred to endodontists for speciality treatment.
The first aim of this study was to gather information on root-canal filling, carried out by a group of dentists attending peer review sessions as a part of the program of the Belgianaccreditation system. Specific information was obtained on the basis of a questionnaire handed to dentists at these sessions organized by the ‘Interuniversitaire Samenwerking’ (Interuniversity Cooperation of the Flemish Universities) (Hommez et al. 2003). The aim of the questionnaire was not only to collect baseline data, but also to get an inventory of the present level of endodontic knowledge and on potential problems regarding endodontic treatment procedures.
The second aim of the study was to gain insight into endodontic treatment decision made in relation to periapical pathology and root-canal status and to make an inventory of cases considered for referral.

Materials and methods.
The information for this study was gathered through a questionnaire described previously (Hommez et al. 2003).
The present study deals with questions on canal medicaments and access cavities. In addition, information was gathered on filling techniques, sealers and use of caustic products. Decision making of dental practitioners regarding referrals and treatment options when confronted with periapical lesions of different size were also investigated.