Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics

Research Articles

Effect of quality of radiographs taken during root canal treatment on technical quality of root canal fillings and endodontic outcome: Jia Min Ng, Yan Yee Lee, Prashanti Chippagiri, Elaheh Ahanin, Abhishek Parolia; Restor Dent Endod 2025;50(1):e3. Published online January 7, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2025.50.e3

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
This study evaluated the number and quality of working length (WL) and master cone (MC) radiographs taken during root canal treatment by dental undergraduates, and their associations with the technical quality of root canal fillings (TQRCF) and endodontic outcomes (EO).
Methods
A retrospective evaluation of radiographs from 303 root canal-treated teeth in 231 patients was conducted, with 72 patients attending recall visits to assess EO. The chi-square and one-way analysis of variance tests were performed.
Results
A total of 505 WL and 557 MC radiographs were reviewed, with 72.9% and 75% deemed satisfactory, respectively. Satisfactory TQRCF was achieved in 60.4% of cases. Significant associations were found between the extension of the file in WL and gutta-percha in MC radiographs and TQRCF (p = 0.000). Misinterpretation of these radiographs resulted in poor TQRCF. Furthermore, 64.2% of teeth had satisfactory EO. A significant relationship was noted between the quality of MC radiographs and both TQRCF (p = 0.043) and EO (p = 0.003).
Conclusions
Unsatisfactory MC radiographs were linked to poor TQRCF and unfavorable EO. Regular radiographic training is recommended to enhance EO.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal treatment in an adult Kuwaiti sub-population: a cross-sectional study: Abdulrahman A. Alhailaa, Saad A Al-Nazhan, Mazen A Aldosimani; Restor Dent Endod 2024;49(2):e16. Published online March 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2024.49.e16

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the technical quality of root canal fillings in an adult Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
Materials and Methods
Two experienced examiners analyzed 250 CBCT images obtained from Kuwaiti patients aged 15–65 years who attended government dental specialist clinics between January 2019 and September 2020. The assessment followed the radiographic scoring criteria proposed by De Moor for periapical status and the technical quality of root canal filling. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results
Among the 2,762 examined teeth, 191 (6.91%) exhibited radiographic signs of AP, and 176 (6.37%) had undergone root canal filling. AP prevalence in root canal-treated teeth was 32.38%, with a significant difference between males and females. Most of the endodontically treated teeth exhibited adequate root canal filling (71.5%).
Conclusions
The study demonstrated a comparable prevalence of AP and satisfactory execution of root canal treatment compared to similar studies in different countries.

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