Page 163 - FINAL COMPENDIUM 2020-2021 27.2.2022

RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE TECHNICAL QUALITY OF FAILING ROOT-FILLED
TEETH REFERRED FROM GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA: A
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Ahmad F, Sebastian JR
Objective: Our aim was to perform a radiographic assessment of the technical quality of
the root canal fillings in failing endodontic cases referred from general dental
practitioners in Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and methods: Patient’s clinical details and
periapical radiographs were obtained from dental records. Out of the total 237 dental
patients with failed endodontic cases referred from the year 2009 to 2017, 165 root filled
teeth were selected, after taking into consideration the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Assessment of the technical quality of root canal fillings was done using periapical
radiographs. The radiographic technical quality of root canal fillings was evaluated by the
length, density and taper according to the criteria used in a study by Barrieshi-Nusair et
al. 2004. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Only 20.0% of the total number of teeth had adequate root canal fillings.
Maxillary incisors had the highest frequency of inadequate root fillings at 49.2%, followed
by mandibular molars (21.2%) and maxillary premolars (12.9%). 83.0% of the root treated
teeth showed periapical lesion. There was a statistically significant difference between
the adequate and inadequate quality of root canal filling in relation to periapical lesion (P
< 0.05). The radiographic technical quality of root canal fillings in failing endodontic cases
referred from general dental practitioners in Pahang is found to be inadequate (80.0%).
Conclusion: Our finding indicates that there is still a substantial need for reinforcement
of correct or proper endodontic procedures and continuing dental education for dental
practitioners after graduation.

th
Poster presentation at the 27 MDA Scientific Convention & Trade Exhibition, KLCC on 14February 2020
Dr Fauziah Ahmad
Restorative Dental Specialist Unit
Beserah Dental Clinic
Kuantan, Pahang

Dr Jacinta Rajah A/P Sebastian Rajah
Pulapol Dental Clinic
Pusat Latihan Polis
Kuala Lumpur

139