RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNICAL QUALITY OF ROOT CANAL FILLINGS PERFORMED BY UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS

Abstract

The main goal of three-dimensional obturation is to provide an impermeable fluid tight seal within the entire root canal system, to prevent oral and apical microlekage. There is substantial evidence that the quality of root canal filling has a significant effect on the outcome of root canal treatment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the radiographic technical quality of root canal fillings performed by under graduate dental students at College of dentistry, Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 277 root canal fillings were studied. The quality of endodontic treatment was evaluated by periapical radiograph in relation to the length, density and taper of the root canal fillings. The iatrogenic errors were also recorded. The total no of root filled canals were 277 with the predominance of maxillary 173 followed by mandibular 104. Out of 277 canals 186 (67.2%) were straight and the highest number of straight canals were found in incisors 51 (27.4%) while 91 (32.8%) were curved, the most curved canals were observed in molars 56 (61.53%). There was significant difference (p=0.000), showing that shape of a canal effects the acceptable filling of root canal and there was also significant difference observed for adequacy of density between different canal shapes. Adequate taper was found in 259 root canal fillings while inadequate taper in 18 root canal fillings. The result was statistically significant (p=0.03). Separated instruments, ledge formation, strip perforation, furcal perforation and root perforation were present in 6 (2.2%), 18 (6.5%), 1 (0.4%), 1 (0.4%) and 4 (1.4%) root canals respectively. Overall the quality of root canal fillings performed by the students was satisfactory.