An Audit Of Technical Quality Of Root Fillings And Posts

Objectives: To evaluate the technical quality of root canal fillings and intra-radicular posts, performed by Brazilian dentists in single rooted teeth. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing 200 radiographs of patients treated by Brazilian general dentists. Two hundred selected periapical radiographs were included in this retrospective study. Radiographs were examined for quality of the root filling (density and extension) and intra-radicular posts (direction, length and width of the post, and the distance between the post and residual gutta-percha), in association with its periapical status (normal, diseased and apical root resorption). Radiographs were evaluated at least 4 years after initial/ completion of treatment. Results: Root canal fillings were found in 189 teeth (94.5%). In 25 teeth (13.2%), the fillings were classified as satisfactory. Intra-radicular posts were adequate in 9 teeth (4.5%). Periapical lesions were observed in 123 cases (61.5%), and apical root resorption in 45 teeth (22.5%). Only one case was categorized as adequate for both root canal filling and intra-radicular post. Conclusions: The technical quality of root canal fillings and intra-radicular posts performed by Brazilian dentists, in single rooted teeth, was poor.