Quality of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate dental students on single-rooted teeth

Radiographic quality of root canal fillings performed in a postgraduate program in endodontics

The aim of this study was to evaluate the standard quality of 1,347 root fillings performed by postgraduate students in Endodontics according to 3 radiographic quality parameters. The analyzed quality parameters included apical extension (AE), taper (TA) and homogeneity (HO), which received scores S2 (ideal standard), S1 (slight deviation) or S0 (accentuated deviation). A perfect filling (PF) received S2 for all parameters. In the absence of one or two S2 score, the fillings were deemed as satisfactory (SF) or deficient (DF), respectively. The results showed 51.7%, 41.5% and 6.8% of PF, SF, and DF, respectively. AE, TA, and HO presented equivalent quality parameters in root-filled canals of mandibular incisors and mandibular premolars (p>0.05). Conversely, in maxillary incisors, canines and distal root of mandibular molars, significant differences (p<0.05) were found between 2 parameters. Besides, there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the measured parameters in root-filled canals of maxillary premolars, all root canals of the maxillary molars and mesial root of the mandibular molars. AE showed the lowest frequency of S2 score for all groups. In conclusion the prevalence of perfect, satisfactory and deficient fillings varied significantly according to the root canal group. The quality parameters categorized fillings in 3 complexity degrees. AE was the most critical parameter of quality in root canal fillings.

Technique acquisition in the use of two thermoplasticized root filling methods by inexperienced dental students: a microcomputed tomography analysis

INTRODUCTION

Limited endodontic experiences in dental schools suggest the need for easy-to-learn techniques. Therefore, two simplified root filling methods were assessed for adequacy and expediency when performed by inexperienced students.

METHODS

Eight students were trained (45-minute lecture and 90-minute practice) in use of ProTaper Obturators (PTO) and System-B/Calamus (SBC). They subsequently filled the root canals in two extracted, single-rooted teeth per method (n = 32). Canals were preshaped and prefitted with obturators and master cones. The volume of root-filling voids determined by microcomputed tomography imaging in 1-mm increments, time to complete fillings, and students' responses in questionnaires were analyzed (independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test).

RESULTS

PTO had a significantly smaller void volume in the apical 6 mm of canals (P < 0.001), required significantly shorter time (P < 0.001), and was perceived as easier to learn and use but less likely to be favored after graduation than SBC.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the PTO root filling method was particularly suitable for teaching when endodontic experiences available for students are limited.