Objective: This study evaluated the radiographic outcome of root canal treatments (RCTs) performed by general dental practitioners (GDPs) with focus on tooth type and quality of root filling.
Materials and methods: The target population included all patients receiving root filling by GDPs in City of Helsinki in 2010-2011. Equal numbers of each tooth type (anteriors, premolars, molars) by jaw were included, resulting in 426 teeth. Pre- and post-operative periapical radiographs were assessed to evaluate periapical status and quality of root filling. Statistical evaluation utilized Chi-squared tests, Cohen's kappa and logistic regression modelling.
Results: The overall success rate of RCT was 67.4%, being 76.8%, 69.7% and 55.6% (p < .001) for anteriors, premolars and molars, respectively. The quality of root fillings varied by tooth type (p < .001); optimal fillings were least frequent (43%) in molars. In multifactorial analysis, RCTs were more likely to succeed in non-molars (OR = 1.8), in teeth with optimal root fillings (OR = 3.6) and in teeth without apical periodontitis (OR = 3.2).
Conclusion: The quality of root fillings and radiographic outcome of RCTs varied considerably according to tooth type; success was least likely in molars. Improvement is needed in quality of RCTs by GDPs.
Keywords: Endodontic; general practice; outcome; root canal treatment; tooth type.