TECHNICAL QUALITY OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IN TAIWAN
Resource
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL v.36 n.6 pp.416-422
Journal
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
Journal Volume
v.36
Journal Issue
n.6
Pages
416-422
Date Issued
2003
Date
2003
Author(s)
CHUEH, LING-HUEY
CHEN, SHIH-CHUNG
DUH, BAU-RUEI
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the current technical quality of root canal
treatment (RCT) in Taiwan. Methodology A total of 1085 RCT
cases, randomly selected from a large sample and
representative of the Taiwanese population from April to
September 2000, were evaluated by eight endodontic
specialists. The qualitative evaluation of RCT cases was
based on two variables: length of the root filling and
density of the obturation. A root canal with both adequate
filling length (the apical termination of the root filling
within 2 mm of the radiographic apex) and complete
obturation (no lateral or apical canal lumen visible in the
apical one-third of the root canal) was defined as having
good-quality endodontic work (GQEW). A tooth was defined as
having a GQEW when all its canals were categorized as GQEW.
Results From a total of 1867 root canals, overfilling
occurred in 235 (12.6%), adequate filling length in 1152 (61
.7%), underfilling in 466 (25.0%) and no filling in 12 (0.6%
). Of the 1867 root canals, 710 (38.0%) demonstrated
complete obturation and 1157 (62%) demonstrated incomplete
obturation. GQEW was found in 650 (34.8%) root canals and
329 (30.3%) teeth. The percentage of teeth with GQEW in
hospital cases (38.1%) was significantly greater (P < 0.001)
than that in private clinic cases (24.3%). In addition, the
frequency of teeth with GQEW in the anterior teeth (40.4%)
or in the premolars (33%) was significantly greater (P < 0.
001) than that in the molars (18.4%). Conclusions
Approximately 70% of the teeth receiving RCT in Taiwan were
either of inadequate filling length or scaling density.
Subjects
ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
PERIAPICAL STATUS
EXAMINER RELIABILITY
APICAL PERIODONTITIS
SWEDISH POPULATION
PREVALENCE
Type
journal article