Frequency and quality of endodontically treated teeth in adult population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and quality of endodontically treated teeth in adult patients. The panoramic radiographs of 175 adult patients visiting Faculty of Stomatology were examined for endodontic treatment and periapical status. Root canal fillings were categorized as "adequate" or "inadequate" with regard to root canal filling length and lateral seal. Results were analyzed statistically using chi-squared test. From total of 4854 teeth examined, root canal treatment was found in 508 teeth (10.5%). Teeth in the maxilla were more frequently root-filled (24.4 and 24.5%), as compared to those in the mandible (13.4 and 13.9%). The difference was statistically significant (p > 0.01). The highest incidence of root canal treatment was scored for the maxillary central incisors (20.1%). The adequate root canal fillings were detected in 178 (35%), and inadequate root canal fillings were detected in 330 teeth (65%). The periapical radiolucencies were found in 338 (69%) of all examined teeth and in 66.5 of the endodontically treated teeth. The number of teeth with apical periodontitis without endodontic treatment was 94 (1.9%) of all examined teeth 149 (85.1%) patients had 1 or more teeth with apical periodontitis.