Technical quality of root canal treatment in Taiwan

L. H. Chueh, S. C. Chen, C. M. Lee, Y. Y. Hsu, S. F. Pai, M. L. Kuo, C. S. Chen, B. R. Duh, S. F. Yang, Y. L. Tung, C. K. Hsiao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

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 GOEW 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 sealing density.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)416-422
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Endodontic Journal
Volume36
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Root canal treatment
  • Taiwan
  • Technical quality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dentistry(all)

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