Table 1 Results of the USA and UK quick polls about irreversible pulpitis management.

Frequency of diagnosing irreversible pulpitis (per month)

 0

0

0%

6

2%

 05-Jan

218

52%

201

60%

 10-Jun

103

25%

74

22%

 >10

95

23%

53

16%

Common clinical or emergency management for irreversible pulpitis

 Prescribe or recommend analgesics

126

30%

85

25%

 Prescribe antibiotics

83

20%

14

4%

 Access the pulp and place a sedative temporary dressing

77

19%

288

86%

 Perform a pulpotomy

83

20%

52

16%

 Perform a root canal therapy

319

77%

87

26%

Definitive management practices (UK only)

 Perform a pulpotomy

29

9%

 Perform a root canal treatment

300

90%

 Perform an extraction

167

50%

 Refer to a specialist

56

17%

Materials used for pulpotomy

 Calcium hydroxide

101

44%

36

11%

 Mineral trioxide agreggate (MTA)

55

24%

96

29%

 Biodentine

37

16%

36

11%

 Formocreosol

49

21%

0

0%

 ZOE

42

18%

11

3%

 Glass ionomers

44

19%

12

4%

 I do not use pulpotomy as part of my clinical practice

0

0%

190

57%

 Other

0

0%

10

3%

Number of appointments required to complete molar root canal treatment

 1 appointment

92

22%

32

10%

 2 appointments

128

31%

201

60%

 3 appointments

12

3%

83

25%

 More than 3 appointments

0

0%

6

2%

 I would refer the case to a specialist

132

32%

7

2%

 I do not perform root canal treatment on any teeth

51

12%

5

2%

Attitudes toward pulpotomy as a definitive treatment option

 Both my patients and I would be in favour

182

44%

275

82%

 Patients would be in favour but not myself

100

24%

13

4%

 I would be in favour but not patients

12

3%

18

5%

 Neither patients nor I would be in favour

118

28%

28

8%