Single-use of endodontic hand files: perceptions and practise.

Background: The concept of single-use of endodontic files remains controversial in the published literature. The extent and attitudes concerning the single-use of endodontic hand files is currently unknown in many countries.

Aim: The prevalence and perceptions regarding the single-use of endodontic files was investigated in this descriptive observational study.

Methods: A questionnaire regarding the perceptions and usage protocols of endodontic files was developed. Twenty-seven South African dental practices were included in this study. Participation was voluntary.

Results: None of the respondents reported single-use of endodontic hand files. Several decontamination methods were used by the respondents for reprocessing endodontic files.

Discussion: Financial constraints were reported as the primary reason for the reuse of endodontic files. As no standardised method of reprocessing these instruments exists for South Africa, written guidelines on this subject should be developed.