Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Filling of Mandibular First Molars Performed by Endodontists in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess and evaluate the quality of root canal fillings (RCFs) conducted on mandibular first molars performed by endodontists in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

Participants and methods: A cross-sectional radiographical study was conducted among patients over 18 years old from both genders treated by endodontists with different qualifications and experiences. The treatments were carried out under similar operating field, materials, and equipment. The quality of the X-rays was evaluated according to the international standards in the form of length, density, and taper. Those radiographs were assessed by two evaluators with similar certificates. Intraexaminer agreements were calculated. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to test the significant difference between groups and the quality parameters. p < 0.05 was considered a cutoff point for statistical significance.

Results: A total of 74 mandibular molars with 224 root canals treated were assessed in this radiographic study. The recorded adequate percentages were 77, 93, and 91% for the quality of RCF taper, density, and taper, respectively, with acceptable overall RCF quality of 87%. Significant differences were recorded between the right and left sides in terms of taper (p = 0.035), as well as between different years of experiences and different locations of the canals in terms of density (p = 0.040 for both variables).

Conclusion: The quality of RCFs performed by endodontist with different type of certificates performed in mandibular first molars were high in terms of density and taper but moderate in length. The overall RCF quality was acceptable.

Clinical significance: Evaluation of the postoperative preapical X-rays for the endodontically treated teeth is a positive point in maintaining high standard services of patients. It should be followed as mentioned in the recommended textbooks in relation to length, taper, and density. How to cite this article: Almnea RA. Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Filling of Mandibular First Molars Performed by Endodontists in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(7):624-630.