ABSTRACT
Objectives: To investigate the quality of root fillings and coronal restorations and
their association with periapical status in an adult Turkish subpopulation.
Methods: A total of 400 subjects were examined. Panoramic radiographs of all participants
and additional periapical radiographs of affected teeth were processed. The frequency
of root canal treatment and the periapical status of all root filled teeth were evaluated.
The relationship between the radiographic quality of root fillings and coronal restorations
was examined by chi-squared statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 9460 teeth were examined. The total number of root filled teeth
was 890 (9.39%), and 658 (73.9%) had apical periodontitis (AP). There was a significant
correlation between the presence of periapical pathology and inadequate root canal
fillings (P <.05). Presence of AP in root filled teeth was associated with inadequate
adaptation of the filling (OR=1.097; P=0.54), and with poor radiographic quality of
the coronal restoration (OR=0.91; P=0.70), and with poor radiographic quality of the
filling restoration (OR=0.97; P=0.92). Only 24.5% of the root fillings were adequate.
The highest percentage of root fillings was found in maxillary right first molars
(6.9%).
Conclusions: The results demonstrate a low prevalence of root-filled teeth and poor
quality of coronal restorations and root fillings consistent with a high prevalence
of apical periodontitis in a Turkish subpopulation. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:17-22)
Key words
Coronal restoration - Endodontics - Periapical status - Root fillings