D E Bierenkrant1, P Parashos, H H Messer. 1. Department of Endodontics, School of Dental Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the technical quality of nonsurgical root canal treatment performed by endodontists in Melbourne, Australia. METHODOLOGY: Clinical and radiographic records of 100 sequential nonsurgical patients were obtained from each of six endodontists working in private practice. The following variables were analysed: proximity of root filling to radiographic apex; homogeneity and radiodensity of root filling; lateral adaptation of the root filling to the canal walls; taper; extrusion of material; small, appropriate or excessive apical enlargement; presence of lateral canals; transportation; procedural errors. The radiographs were assessed by three independent evaluators. Exploratory data analysis was undertaken using simple frequencies and cross-tabulations. A generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was used for the formal statistical modelling. RESULTS: Of the 1351 canals that were examined, 91.7% were filled within 2 mm of the radiographic apex and 74% were within 1 mm. Homogeneity and adequate density were found along the entire length of the canal in 86.1% and 88.6% of cases respectively. Lateral adaptation was adequate in 95.6% of cases and the taper was 'smooth and continuous' in 83.8% of roots. No and/or small extrusion of sealer was noted in 98.3% of cases. Apical enlargement was 'appropriate' in 85% of roots. Both transportation (1.1%) and procedural errors (1.3%) were rare occurrences. CONCLUSIONS: The technical quality of root fillings performed by endodontists in Melbourne, Australia complied with current guidelines in 77.4%-91.0% of roots. All variables examined confirmed high levels of technical proficiency. There were very few instances of canal transportation and/or procedural errors.
AIM: To investigate the technical quality of nonsurgical root canal treatment performed by endodontists in Melbourne, Australia. METHODOLOGY: Clinical and radiographic records of 100 sequential nonsurgical patients were obtained from each of six endodontists working in private practice. The following variables were analysed: proximity of root filling to radiographic apex; homogeneity and radiodensity of root filling; lateral adaptation of the root filling to the canal walls; taper; extrusion of material; small, appropriate or excessive apical enlargement; presence of lateral canals; transportation; procedural errors. The radiographs were assessed by three independent evaluators. Exploratory data analysis was undertaken using simple frequencies and cross-tabulations. A generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was used for the formal statistical modelling. RESULTS: Of the 1351 canals that were examined, 91.7% were filled within 2 mm of the radiographic apex and 74% were within 1 mm. Homogeneity and adequate density were found along the entire length of the canal in 86.1% and 88.6% of cases respectively. Lateral adaptation was adequate in 95.6% of cases and the taper was 'smooth and continuous' in 83.8% of roots. No and/or small extrusion of sealer was noted in 98.3% of cases. Apical enlargement was 'appropriate' in 85% of roots. Both transportation (1.1%) and procedural errors (1.3%) were rare occurrences. CONCLUSIONS: The technical quality of root fillings performed by endodontists in Melbourne, Australia complied with current guidelines in 77.4%-91.0% of roots. All variables examined confirmed high levels of technical proficiency. There were very few instances of canal transportation and/or procedural errors.