Radiographic evaluation of technical quality of root canal fillings made by dental students

Abstract

Ojective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate radiographically the technical quality of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate dentistry students of Karadeniz Technical University. Methods: Final periapical radiographs of 636 root canal treated teeth made by undergraduate dental students were assessed. The homogeneity and length of root canal fillings were the evaluated parameters. Homogenous root canal fillings with length nearest to the radiological apex at 0-2 mm were accepted as successful fillings. Chi-square test was performed to determine significant differences between technical quality of root canal fillings and tooth type (anterior, premolar, molar). Results: There wasn’t a statistically significant difference between maxillar and mandibular teeth (p>0.05). Totally 52.67 % (335 teeth) of 636 teeth had a successful root canal filling. According to tooth type success rate was as follows: 62.45 % (158 teeth) of 253 anterior teeth, 60.22 % (106 teeth) of 176 premolar teeth and 34.29 % (71 teeth) of 207 molar teeth. The technical quality of root canal fillings of molar teeth were significantly lower than the other tooth types (p<0.001). Conclusion: Changes in teaching methods may be required to improve technical quality of root canal fillings performed by dental students. These changes may be especially focused on treatment of molar teeth.