Complications During Root Canal Shaping: A Survey Among Dentists in Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Endodontic therapy is a complex procedure that requires a high level of precision due to the intricacies of the root canal system. Despite advancements in endodontic tools and techniques, incidents such as instrument fractures, dentinal plugs, false routes, and root perforations can occur when best practice recommendations are not adhered to. These complications pose a significant public health concern as they can lead to potentially severe infectious complications and ultimately result in endodontic treatment failure. The aim of this study is to elucidate the causes of endodontic complications, particularly during the root canal shaping stage, and to identify strategies for their prevention.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, descriptive, and unidirectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 300 private dentists in Casablanca. The questionnaires were completed anonymously, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. The discussion will be enriched through a comprehensive literature search of major databases, complemented by a series of clinical cases illustrating these complications and the means by which they can be mitigated.Results: The study reveals that 91% of dentists encountered complications during endodontic therapy, with 284 dentists (94.98%) experiencing complications during root canal shaping. The most prevalent complication was instrument fracture, reported by 235 dentists (82.75%). Key contributing factors to these complications included forced file passage, non-adherence to the instrumental sequence, and absence or inadequacy of irrigation. However, these incidents can be averted by adhering to a meticulous treatment protocol and respecting the various steps critical to the success of root canal shaping.Conclusion: In conclusion, there exists a disparity between recommended best practices and the current practices in the field of endodontics, which can lead to multiple complications and subsequent endodontic treatment failures.