Evaluation of Root Canal Obturation by Micro-computed Tomography for Endodontic Training in Dental Students

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of root canal preparation and obturation by third year students who were performing root canal treatment for the first time, with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and compare the images taken at the first and second obturations for their training. Methods: Single-rooted straight artificial right maxillary incisors for endodontic training were used for root canal preparation. The canals were obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. Six incisors judged to be well-obturated based on 2-D dental X-ray images were selected for micro-CT scanning. Based on the micro-CT images of the obturation performed for the first time, the areas for improvement were explained to each student individually. Then, root canal preparation and obturation were repeated using a new artificial tooth. The obturated artificial tooth was scanned by micro-CT. Digital three-dimensional (3-D) images were constructed. The volumes of the gaps and voids in the root canal and preparation size were calculated from the cementoenamel junction up to the apex after first and second root canal obturation. Results: After first root canal obturation, mean value of the gaps and voids was reduced. Significant differences were observed between the first time and second time obturation group (p=0.05). The mean value of the preparation size was slightly increased. No significant changes in the preparation size were observed. Conclusions: These results suggested that micro-CT was an effective tool for evaluation of the outcome of endodontic training.