Evaluation of tactile sensation for apical root canal Obturation

Abstract

An accurate Working length is absolutely necessary for successful root canal treatment.Obturation of the root canal system forms the final Stage of root canal therapy and its success depends on obtaining perfect apical seal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of tactile sensation in obtaining an optimum obturation. Three hundred and fifty radiograph of root filled teeth taken after obturation of clinical cases evaluated in this study. The root canal prepared and the length was determined by the tactile sensation. After the obturation final radiograph to evaluate the obturation in the apical area was recorded. The films (284 radiographs included in the study) were divided according to the sex, position in the jaws and the type of tooth. Two observers evaluate the radiograph for apical obturation separately. Three categories were used: The first category, which is given a score of zero for optimal obturation(1) mm from the anatomical apex, The second category, which is given a score of one, is regarded as an underfilled root canal filling which is more than (1) mm from the anatomical apex. And finally the third category which is given a score of two which is regarded as an overfilled filling when there is extension of the filling material beyond the anatomical apex. The data were tabulated and a non-parametric chi square analysis was used for statistical test. The percentage of optimum apical obturation was found in (66.55%) of cases while those scored (1)was (28.9%) and those scored (2) was (46%). The analysis showed that there was no effect of the sex of the patient or between both jaws or with regard tooth type. The result of the study showed that, under the circumstances of this work, the tactile sensation produce results as effective as other methods of working length determination and could be justified, under the circumstances that limit the availability of other methods for working length determination and in particular the X - ray machine for the general dentist in Iraq upon which a harsh sanction is imposed which include scientific and health sanction.