Periapical status and quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations in India

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the periapical status and quality of root canal fillings and coronal restoration using postoperative radiographs. Materials and Methods: Postoperative periapical radiographs were collected from Swami Devi Dyal Hospital and Dental College and private clinics of district Panchkula. Final the sample consisted of 776 root-filled teeth with 1480 root canals. Radiographs, where the root canal treatment (RCT) was not completed or whose radiographic quality was poor, were excluded. Length, density and taper of root fillings, quality of coronal restoration, crown and periapical status of tooth were recorded. Length of root fillings was recorded as adequate, short or over- filled in relationship with radiographic apex. Density and taper of root fillings, coronal restoration and crown was recorded as adequate or inadequate. Periapical status was recorded according to periapical index (PAI). Results were evaluated statistically using one-way analysis of variable (ANOVA) and Chi-square analysis. Results: Total of 42.4%, 70.3%, and 81.1% of the root fillings had adequate length, density and taper respectively. Total of 57.8% and 69.7% of teeth had adequate coronal restoration and crown, respectively, whereas 50% of the root fillings and teeth fulfilled the above criteria at the same time. The relationship between length, density of root fillings and presence of canal curvature was not significant statistically whereas the relationship between taper of root filling and presence of canal curvature was statistically significant ( P Conclusion: In this study, half of the root filled teeth were not treated according to accepted endodontic guidelines. Apical periodontitis was uncommon in root-filled teeth.