Radiographic outcome of root canal treatment in general dental practice: tooth type and quality of root filling as prognostic factors

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the radiographic outcome of root canal treatments (RCTs) performed by general dental practitioners (GDPs) with focus on tooth type and quality of root filling. Materials and methods The target population included all patients receiving root filling by GDPs in City of Helsinki in 2010–2011. Equal numbers of each tooth type (anteriors, premolars, molars) by jaw were included, resulting in 426 teeth. Pre- and post-operative periapical radiographs were assessed to evaluate periapical status and quality of root filling. Statistical evaluation utilized Chi-squared tests, Cohen’s kappa and logistic regression modelling. Results The overall success rate of RCT was 67.4%, being 76.8%, 69.7% and 55.6% (p < .001) for anteriors, premolars and molars, respectively. The quality of root fillings varied by tooth type (p < .001); optimal fillings were least frequent (43%) in molars. In multifactorial analysis, RCTs were more likely to succeed in non-molars (OR = 1.8), in teeth with optimal root fillings (OR = 3.6) and in teeth without apical periodontitis (OR = 3.2). Conclusion The quality of root fillings and radiographic outcome of RCTs varied considerably according to tooth type; success was least likely in molars. Improvement is needed in quality of RCTs by GDPs.