Evaluación radiográfica de 5000 tratamientos endodónticos realizados en premolares y molares mandibulares y maxilares en una población en Argentina / Radiographic evaluation of 5000 endodontic treatments performed on mandibular and maxillary premolars and molars in a population in Argentina

Objetivo: Evaluar radiográficamente tratamientos en- dodónticos del sector posterior de la cavidad bucal y com- parar la frecuencia de aceptabilidad en cada pieza dentaria involucrada. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron 5000 radiogra- fías de archivo de tratamientos endodónticos realizados apro- ximadamente entre 2005 y 2019 en premolares y molares mandibulares y maxilares en Argentina. Se consideraron tratamientos correctos e incorrectos de acuerdo con: 1) con- formación de la preparación quirúrgica; 2) límite apical de la obturación; 3) homogeneidad de la obturación. Se obtuvo la fre- cuencia absoluta y relativa de correctos e incorrectos. El aná- lisis entre frecuencias y pieza dentaria se realizó con la prueba de chi cuadrado y el cálculo del coeficiente V de Cramer. Para la comparación entre grupos de piezas dentarias se utilizó la partición del valor de chi cuadrado obtenido en los corres- pondientes grados de libertad. Nivel de significación P <0.05. Resultados: La partición del valor de chi cuadrado no mostró diferencias significativas entre primeros y segundos premolares mandibulares. Las otras comparaciones exhibie- ron diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Un alto porcentaje de los tratamientos endodónticos de la población estudiada tiene por lo menos una condición que permite categorizarlos como incorrectos según el criterio establecido en este trabajo. Este porcentaje es más preponderante en anatomías complejas (AU)

Aim: To evaluate radiographically endodontic treat- ments performed in the posterior area of the oral cavity and compare the frequency of acceptability in each tooth involved. Materials and methods: 5,000 archival radiographs of endodontic treatments performed between 2005 and 2019 on mandibular and maxillary premolars and molars in Argentina were evaluated. The percentages of correct and incorrect treatments were considered according to 1) shaping of the preparation; 2) apical limit of the obturation; 3) homogeneity of the obturation. The absolute and relative frequencies of correct and incorrect treatments were calcu- lated. The association between these frequencies and tooth type was analyzed using the chi-square test and Cramer's V coefficient. For the comparison between groups of teeth, the partition of the chi-square value obtained in the corre- sponding degrees of freedom was used. Level of significance was P <0.05. Results: The partition of the chi-square value did not show a significant difference between the first and second lower premolars. The differences were significant in the other comparisons. Conclusions: A high percentage of the endodontic treat- ments in the study population have at least one condition war- ranting their classification as incorrect according to the crite- ria established in this study. This percentage is more prevalent in complex anatomies (AU)

Evaluación del éxito de tratamientos endodónticos realizados por estudiantes de pregrado en una universidad chilena / Evaluation of success rate of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students in a Chilean university

El tratamiento endodóntico tiene como finalidad prevenir o lograr la ausencia de periodontitis apical post-tratamiento, logrando la mantención del diente en la boca de manera funcional. La realización de tratamientos endodónticos de baja complejidad en la formación de pregrado es transversal a todas las universidades chilenas. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la frecuencia de éxito de tratamientos endodónticos realizados por estudiantes de pregrado entre los años 2014-2017 de la Escuela de Odontología, Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), Valdivia, Chile. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo donde fueron evaluados 74 tratamientos endodónticos en dientes uniradiculares de 63 pacientes seleccionados a través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, que cumplieran con los criterios de selección. Los parámetros usados para la evaluación clínica fueron: ausencia de dolor a la palpación y percusión, ausencia de fístula y diente en función. En la evaluación radiográfica se utilizaron los siguientes parámetros: longitud de obturación en relación al ápice dentario, conicidad, densidad del material obturador y reducción de la lesión periapical. De los tratamientos evaluados se reportó un 78 % de éxito clínico y un 41 % de éxito radiográfico. Finalmente, se concluye que los resultados obtenidos a nivel clínico y radiográfico son similares a los reportados en la literatura.

The objective of endodontic treatment is to prevent or achieve the absence of post-treatment apical periodontitis, thereby maintaining functionality of the tooth in the mouth. In Chilean universities undergraduate programs, training in endodontics is limited to low level complexity cases and is transversal throughout the universities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of success of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students between the years 2014-2017 of the School of Dentistry, Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), Valdivia, Chile. A descriptive observational study was conducted where 74 endodontic treatments were evaluated in uniradicular teeth of 63 patients, selected through a simple random sampling, that met selection criteria. The criteria used for the clinical evaluation were: absence of pain on palpation and percussion, absence of fistula and function tooth. In the radiographic evaluation the following criteria were used: length of obturation in relation to the dental apex, taper, density of the obturator material and reduction of the periapical lesion. Of the treatments evaluated, 78 % clinical success and 41 % radiographic success were reported. Finally, it is concluded that the results obtained at clinical and radiographic level are similar to those reported in the literature.

Estudio radiográfico de la calidad de 700 tratamientos endodónticos de piezas dentarias unirradiculares / Radiographic study of root canal treatments quality in 700 single rooted teeth

Objetivo: evaluar radiográficamente la calidad de 700 tratamientos endodónticos realizados a nivel nacional entre los años 2004 y 2014. Materiales y métodos: en un total de 700 tratamientos endodónticos de incisivos y caninos inferiores y superiores humanos, se analizó la calidad de la obturación endodóntica en relación con su límite apical, homogeneidad, material empleado y el respeto de la anatomía original. Asimismo, fueron consideradas la restauración coronaria y la existencia de anclajes intrarradiculares. En cuanto a la calidad global, se calculó la frecuencia porcentual de casos incorrectos y el correspondiente intervalo de confianza (95 por ciento). Resultados: se observó un 48,1 +- 3,7 por ciento de tratamientos deficientes. Del total de dientes evaluados clínicamente, el 26,7 por ciento presentaba restauraciones coronarias, el 65,9 por ciento coronas y el 7,4 por ciento obturaciones temporarias o ausencia de restauración. En el análisis radiográfico, el 63 por ciento tenía anclajes intrarradiculares. Conclusión: la frecuencia de tratamientos deficientes hallada es una información relevante al establecer políticas para la atención de la salud y la formación de recursos profesionales.

Aim: the radiographic evaluation the quality of 700 endodontic treatments performed during 2004-2014, in the national environment. Materials and methods: The endodontic obturationquality in relation to the apical limit, homogeneity, material usedand the original anatomic consideration were analyzed in 700 radiographic images from human maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines. The coronal restoration and the presence of intracanal anchorage were also considered. In the case of overal lquality, percent frequency of incorrect treatments as well as thecorresponding confidence interval (95%) was calculated. Results: 48.1 ± 3.7% of deficient treatments were observed. From the total of the clinical evaluated teeth 26.7% showed coronal restorations, 65.9% crowns and 7.4% temporaryor absent coronal fillings. In the radiographic analysis 63% showed intracanal anchorage. Conclusion: The frequency of deficient treatments thatwas found is relevant information that has to be taken intoaccount when establishing policies for health care servicesand professional training.

Evaluación de la calidad de las obturaciones endodónticas realizadas por estudiantes de posgrado, en molares superiores, con técnicas de instrumentación manual y rotatoria / Evaluation of the quality of root canal fillings made bypostgraduate students in upper molars with manualand rotary instrumentation techniques

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de las obturaciones endodónticas en molares superiores instrumentados con técnicas manuales y rotatorias, por estudiantes de posgrado. Materiales y métodos: para este estudio, se analizaron las radiografías de endodoncias que fueron realizadas durante un año por alumnos de un curso de posgrado en endodoncia, en primeros y segundos molares superiores, con ténicas de instrumentación manual y rotatoria y posteriormente obturadas con técnica de condensación lateral. Se analizó la calidad de las obturaciones endodónticas en función de la longitud y la homogeneidad de la masa de gutapercha. Resultados: el 53,6 por ciento de las obturaciones estaba dentro de los límites del conducto radicular y en el 65,2 por ciento de los casos, la homogeneidad fue incorrecta. En cuanto a la longitud, no se verificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las técnicas, como ocurrió con la homogeneidad (p<0,05). La frecuencia de inadecuados en ewsta última fue mayor para la técnica manual. La mayor cantidad de fallas en la obturación se registró en el conducto mesiovestibular. Conclusión: la calidad de las obturaciones no depende de la técnica de instrumentación empleada, sino de la experiencia del profesional interviniente y del tipo de conducto radicular tratado.(AU)

Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality ofendodontic fillings in upper molars instrumented with manualand rotary techniques by posgraduate students.Materials and methods: Radiographs of first and secondupper molars root canal treatments performed by studentsof a posgraduate endodontic course during a year wereanalyzed. Either manual or rotary instrumentation techniqueswere used and obturation was carried out using lateral condensation.Quality of endodontic obturation was analyzed accordingto length and homogeneity.Results: There were acceptable lengths of root canalfillings in 53.6% and homogeneity was incorrect in 65.2% ofthe cases. There was no statistically significance difference betweentechniques for the case of length, but there were statisticallysignificance difference for homogenity (p>0.05). Moredefective obturations were registered in the mesiobuccal canal.Conclusion: Independent of the instrumentation technique,the quality of root fillings is inherent to the professionalexperience and the type of root canal treated.

Evaluación de la calidad de la obturación utilizando dos técnicas de obturación y dos cementos selladores / An evaluation of endodontic filling quality by using two obturation techniques and two sealer cements

Objetivos: El propósito de este trabajo fue analizar la adaptación y homogeneidad de la obturación en los tercios cervical, medio y apical depremolares inferiores unirradiculares, utilizando las técnicas de condensación lateral e híbrida de Tagger con los cementos de Grossman y AH 26. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 32 premolares inferiores humanos extraídos, unirradiculares, con ápice maduro. Las piezas fueron instrumentadas con sistema Protaper Universal hasta F3. Luego fueron divididas aleatoriamente en 4 grupos de 8 muestras cada uno. Grupos A y B se obturaron con técnica de condensación lateral, grupos C y D con técnica híbrida de Tagger. En A y C su uso cemento deGrossman, en B y D AH 26. Se realizaron cortes transversales a nivel coronario, medio y apical que se evaluaron con microscopio quirúrgico a X 2,5. Se realizó test no paramétrico U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Para determinar si existía diferencia entre las dos técnicas de obturación al usar cemento de Grossman se utilizó Test deMann-Whitney. Se observó diferencia significativa entre las medianas de scoring de ambos grupos (U=192; p<0,05). Al evaluar las dos técnicas utilizando AH 26 existió diferencia significativa entre las medianas de scoring de ambos grupos (U=191,5; p<0,05). Conclusión: Los conductos ovales obturados con técnica híbrida de Tagger, presentaron mejor homogeneidad y mayor adaptación a lasparedes en los tres tercios que los obturados con técnica de condensación lateral. Al utilizar cemento de Grosmann o AH 26 como sellador no se observó diferencia significativa en ninguna de las dos técnicas.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the adaptation and homogeneity of the filling in the thirds cervical, middle and apical of single-rooted premolars, using lateral condensation technique and Tagger's hybrid technique with Grossman sealer and AH 26. Materials and Methods: We used 32 extracted human premolars, single-rooted, with mature apex. The pieces were instrumented with ProTaper Universal system to F3. Then they were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 samples each. Groups A and B were filled with lateral condensation technique, groups C and D with Tagger's hybrid technique. In A and C Grossman sealer were use, in B and D AH 26. Crosscuts were made at coronary, medium and apical level and all were evaluated with 2.5 X surgical microscope. We performed nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: To determine if there was difference between the two filling techniques using Grossman sealer was used Mann-Whitney test. Significant difference was observed between the medians of scoring from both groups (U = 192, p <0.05). In evaluating the two techniques using AH 26, significant difference observed between the medians of scoring from both groups (U = 191.5, P <0.05). Conclusion: The oval canal sealed with Tagger's hybrid technique, showed better homogeneity and better adaptation to the walls in the three thirds that filling with lateral condensation technique. Using Grosmann sealer or AH 26 sealer there was no significant difference in any of the two techniques.

A survey of endodontic practices among dentists in Nigeria.

AIM: To investigate the pattern of routine endodontic practices among Nigerian dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a questionnaire-based survey of samples of dentists in the Nigerian cities of Enugu and Benin. The self-administered questionnaire contained 25 close-ended questions with multiple choice options. The data collected included demographic details of respondents, root canal preparation techniques, irrigants and intracanal medicaments used, the number of appointments, method of working length determination, root filling techniques, cements used, and the scope of treatment performed. RESULTS: Most respondents used sodium hypochlorite as the irrigant, the step back technique for canal preparation, and lateral condensation with a zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealer for obturation. Most respondents did root canal treatment on all types of teeth and used radiographs to determine the working length 70% of the time. Most respondents followed up their patients for less than 12 months and most treated teeth with periapical areas larger than 10 mm by root canal therapy combined with apical surgery. CONCLUSION: Most Nigerian dentists use step back technique for canal preparation and lateral condensation for obturation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endodontic practice by Nigerian dentists differs from some established practice quality guidelines in many other countries, particularly in nonperfusion of modern techniques into practice, popularity of antibiotic use for endodontic emergencies and a high rate of perforations.

Examination of the prevalence of periapical lesions and technical quality of endodontic treatment in a Turkish subpopulation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of periapical lesions by evaluating the periapical status and to evaluate the relationship between the technical quality of endodontic treatments and presence of periapical lesions in a Turkish subpopulation. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 11,542 teeth of 438 patients were radiographically evaluated. Presence of endodontic treatment and obturation levels, coronal restorations, and degree of root canal curvature angles were noted. Apical status was assessed by the Periapical Index Scores (PAI). The χ(2) test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among all teeth, 179 (1.55%) had endodontic treatment and 189 (1.63%) had periapical lesions. Of 179 endodontically treated teeth, 68 (37.99%) had periapical lesions. The prevalence of periapical lesions was found to be significantly high among underfilled teeth (P < .001). In most underfilled teeth, the presence of severe curvatures was particularly of interest. Prevalence of inadequate coronal restorations was significantly high among the teeth with periapical lesions, whether endodontically treated or not (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that considerable effort should be spent by dental practitioners to improve the technical quality of root canal fillings.

Influência de múltiplos fatores no estado periapical de dentes tratados endodonticamente / Influency of multiple factors in the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da qualidade do tratamento de canal radicular (TCR), de fatores relacionados à restauração coronária (RC), lesões de cárie e parâmetros clínicos periodontais no estado periapical de dentes tratados endodonticamente. Pacientes (n=124) com TRC realizados nos Cursos de Especialização em Endodontia da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, no período de 2002-2005, foram reavaliados clínica e radiograficamente, entre outubro de 2009 e janeiro de 2010. Foram coletados dados contidos nos prontuários odontológicos (idade, gênero, endereço, telefone, dente tratado, estado periapical pré-operatório, tipo de tratamento, técnicas de instrumentação e obturação empregadas, radiograia final da obturação e tipo de restauração coronária)...

Relative frequency of teeth needing conventional and surgical endodontic treatment in patients treated at a graduate endodontic clinic--a Penn Endo database study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the most commonly retreated tooth at a postgraduate endodontics program and to compare this result with teeth requiring primary root canal treatment as well as those that required further surgical endodontic treatment. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 6,894 patients treated between 2000 and 2005 by endodontic postgraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Data regarding tooth type and endodontic treatment rendered were obtained from the Penn Endo database. RESULTS: Initial root canal treatment was most commonly done on mandibular molars. Anterior teeth were 1.411 times more likely to undergo NSRT than molars. Maxillary molars were 1.048 times more likely to undergo conventional retreatment than mandibular molars. Maxillary anterior teeth were 3.032 times more likely than mandibular molars to undergo surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular molars may most commonly receive initial root canal treatment but it is the anterior teeth that are more likely to undergo surgical and nonsurgical retreatment. Maxillary molars are more likely to receive surgical intervention than mandibular molars. These data call for further investigation into the reasons for such discrepancy.

Prevalence and risk factors of apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in a selected population of Brazilian adults

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in a selected population of Brazilian adults. A total of 1,372 periapical radiographs of endodontically treated teeth were analyzed based on the quality of root filling, status of coronal restoration and presence of posts associated with apical periodontitis (AP). Data were analyzed statistically using odds ratio, confidence intervals and chi-square test. The prevalence of AP with adequate endodontic treatment was low (16.5 percent). This percentage dropped to 12.1 percent in cases with adequate root filling and adequate coronal restoration. Teeth with adequate endodontic treatment and poor coronal restoration had an AP prevalence of 27.9 percent. AP increased to 71.7 percent in teeth with poor endodontic treatment associated with poor coronal restoration. When poor endodontic treatment was combined with adequate coronal restoration, AP prevalence was 61.8 percent. The prevalence of AP was low when associated with high technical quality of root canal treatment. Poor coronal restoration increased the risk of AP even when endodontic treatment was adequate (OR=2.80; 95 percentCI=1.87-4.22). The presence of intracanal posts had no influence on AP prevalence.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores de risco da periodontite apical (PA) em dentes com tratamento endodôntico em seleta população adulta do Brasil. Um total de 1.372 radiografias periapicais de dentes com tratamento endodôntico foi analisado, considerando-se a qualidade da obturação, o estado da restauração coronária e a presença de pinos intrarradiculares, associados com a PA. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente empregando-se odds ratio, intervalos de confiança e teste do qui-quadrado. A prevalência de PA associada a tratamento endodôntico adequado foi baixa (16,5 por cento). Este número reduziu-se a 12,1 por cento quando se considerou obturação e restauração coronária adequadas. Os dentes com tratamento endodôntico adequado, porém com restauração coronária inadequada apresentaram prevalência de PA igual a 27,9 por cento. A PA aumentou para 71,7 por cento nos dentes com tratamento endodôntico e restauração coronária inadequados. Quando o tratamento endodôntico inadequado foi combinado com restaurações coronárias adequadas encontrou-se 61,8 por cento de PA. A prevalência de PA foi baixa quando associada com a elevada qualidade técnica do tratamento endodôntico. A restauração coronária deficiente aumentou o risco de PA mesmo na presença de adequado tratamento endodôntico. A presença de pinos intrarradiculares não influenciou a prevalência de PA.

Radiographic prevalence of root canal ramifications in a sample of root canal treatments in a Brazilian Dental School

The aim of this study was to radiographically investigate the presence of root canal ramifications found after endodontic treatment, and to determine any relationship between their presence and the type of the auxiliary chemical substance used. The study evaluated 1,470 endodontic treatments performed by final year undergraduate students at the Dental School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil, during the period from 1998 to 2000. The X-rays taken during treatment were evaluated in order to establish the presence of ramifications of the root canal system. The initial X-ray did not show the presence of any canal ramifications. After filling, X-rays showed only 3 ramification types: 3.06 percent of lateral canals, 2.99 percent of apical deltas, and 0.1 percent of interradicular canals. The maxillary premolars showed the highest number of lateral canals (n = 13), followed by mandibular premolars (n = 10) and maxillary incisors (n = 10). Apical deltas were mostly found in mandibular molars (n = 14), followed by maxillary incisors (n = 9). Only mandibular molars had interradicular canals. The detection of ramifications increased with the use of EDTA. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between the type of auxiliary chemical substance used and the number of root canal ramifications detected after root canal filling. It was concluded that the frequency of root canal ramifications found radiographically was low in treatments performed by undergraduate students.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar radiograficamente a presença de ramificações do canal radicular encontrada depois do tratamento endodôntico, e determinar qualquer relação entre a presença destas e do tipo de substância química auxiliar usada. O estudo avaliou 1.470 tratamentos endodônticos executados pelos estudantes do último ano da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brasil, no período de 1998 a 2000. Foram avaliadas as radiografias feitas durante o tratamento para verificar a presença das ramificações dos sistemas de canais radiculares. A radiografia inicial não mostrou a presença de qualquer ramificação. Depois da obturação as radiografias mostraram apenas 3 tipos de ramificação: 3,06 por cento de canais laterais, 2,99 por cento de deltas apicais e 0,1 por cento de canais interradiculares. Os pré-molares superiores mostraram o maior número de canais laterais (n = 13), seguidos pelos pré-molares inferiores (n = 10) e incisivos superiores (n = 10). Deltas apicais foram encontrados principalmente em molares inferiores (n = 14), seguidos por incisivos superiores (n = 9). Apenas molares inferiores apresentaram canais interradiculares. A detecção de ramificações aumentou com o uso do EDTA. Entretanto, nenhuma relação estatisticamente significante foi encontrada entre o tipo de substância química auxiliar usada e o número de ramificações visualizadas após a obturação dos canais radiculares. Foi concluído que a freqüência de ramificações do canal radicular encontrada radiograficamente é baixa em tratamentos executados por estudantes universitários.

Evaluación radiográfica de 1.000 anclajes intrarradiculares / Radiographic evaluation of 1000 intraradicular anchorages

Se evaluaron en forma radiográfica 1.000 anclajes intrarradiculares en consideración a su tipo, longitud, calibre, orientación, interfase entre la obturación endodóntica y el anclaje intrarradicular y presencia de obturación endodóntica. Los resultados de esta experiencia representan un panorama amplio de errores y aciertos en la preparación para anclaje intrarradicular, y enfatizan la importancia de los aspectos evaluados, a fin de lograr una adecuada interacción entre el tratamiento endodóntico y el protésico

Tratamento endodôntico em sessäo única nas faculdades de Odontologia brasileiras / One-visit endodontic therapy in Brazilian dentistry college

Tendo em vista a polêmica que ainda causa a realizaçäo do tratamento dos canais com necrose e lesäo apical em uma única sessäo, os coordenadores dos cursos de Endodontia das Faculdades Brasileiras receberam um questionário que objetivou verificar o percentual de tal procedimento em suas clínicas, possibilitando a realizaçäo de um panorama nacional da filosofia da obturaçäo imediata em dentes necróticos com lesäo. Pôde-se comprovar que a maioria dos cursos de graduaçäo de Endodontia näo realiza a obturaçäo imediata em dentes necróticos com lesäo periapical, mesmo após realizarem os passos essenciais que fundamentam cientificamente tal conduta

Infiltração marginal coronária após obturação do canal radicular e preparo para pino / Coronal marginal leakage after root canal filling and post space preparation

Raízes de dentes humanos foram impermeabilizadas externamente e os canais obturados com cones de guta percha e dois tipos de cimentos obturadores: Endofill e Sealapex. Após a obturação os canais foram parcialmente desobturados, permanecendo aproximadamente 5 mm de material obturador. Metade dos espécimes de cada cimento foram, então, protegidos com um ôplugö de 1 mm de espessura com o cimento provisório Coltosol. Após os procedimentos operatórios as raízes foram mergulhadas em solução de azul de metileno a 2 por cento, em ambiente com vácuo, seccionadas longitudinalmente e as infiltrações marginais mensuradas. Constatou-se que a adaptação de um ôplugö com cimento provisório sobre o remanescente da obturação determinou infiltrações marginais semelhantes com os dois cimentos utilizados e que na ausência do ôplugö, o Sealapex foi mais eficaz que o Endofill.

Analysis of a referral-based endodontic practice: Part 2. Treatment provided.

Little information exists in the dental literature regarding the range of treatment provided by specialist endodontists. This study was undertaken to analyze the range and incidence of treatment procedures performed on 2000 patients referred to a specialist endodontist in Perth, Western Australia. There were 312 people that did not require endodontic treatment, resulting in 1688 patients having treatment on 2221 teeth. Routine treatment without complications was provided to 313 teeth (14%) while a total of 451 teeth (20.3%) had calcified or blocked canals. Endodontic retreatment was necessary in 815 teeth (36.7%), 210 teeth (9.4%) had posts removed, and 236 (10.6%) had endodontic surgery. Perforations were present in 119 teeth (5.4%) and these were treated either conservatively (81 teeth, 3.6%) or with surgery (38 teeth, 1.7%). Dental trauma was the reason for referral of 258 patients who required treatment on 217 teeth (9.8%). The wide range of treatment procedures required indicates that endodontists must be highly skilled in all aspects of the discipline.

Follow-up study of endodontic status in an adult Swedish population.

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the endodontic status of selected teeth in a population over time, in order to get a long-term perspective of endodontically treated teeth. A random sample of the adult Swedish population was selected in 1974 and offered a clinical and radiographic examination. Eleven years later 351 of the selected persons attended a follow-up examination (1985). In radiographs, covering the mandibular premolar and molar regions, the status of 1974 was directly compared, tooth by tooth, with the status of 1985. The results showed that a number of endodontically treated teeth with an apical periodontitis healed during the observation period. During the same period, approximately the same number of endodontically treated teeth presented with a new apical periodontitis. This finding suggested that cross-sectional studies could provide reliable information on the long-term success rate of endodontic treatment at the population level. The periapical lesions that persisted or developed during the observation period were strongly related to incomplete root canal obturation, which is in agreement with observations in follow-up studies from teaching and specialist clinics.