IADR Abstract Archives
Pathosis of Retained Roots in Relation to Distance of Submergence
Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare pathosis, via Periapical Index (PAI), of retained root tips at varying distance of submergence from the alveolar crest. The hypothesis was that greater distance of a root tip from the alveolar crest would be associated with an increased chance of clinical success (no pathosis). Success is defined as non-pathologic retention of root tips. In addition, the association between the length of the root tips and pathosis was investigated.
Methods: A radiographic review was conducted on 76 retained and submerged root tips at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM). The distance from the alveolar crest and length of root tips was compiled and examined. Root tips were evaluated using the Periapical Index (PAI) to determine if the distance from the alveolar crest has an association with higher rates of pathosis of retained root tips. All root tips were evaluated by a minimum of two evaluators who took note of submergence distance, length of root tip and PAI score. A third rater was used in the event of PAI disagreement. Data were analyzed via Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) using the statistical software package SAS (Version 9.4).
Results: 69 of 76 root tips (91%) were concluded to be successfully submerged (non-pathological). The association between submergence and success was not statistically significant (p = .92). The association between length of root tips and success was not statistically significant (p = .43). The Kappa statistic for inter-rater reliability of success/failure was 0.861.
Conclusions: Ninety-one percent of reviewed root tips showed no pathosis. No statistically significant association was found between submergence distance and success or between length of root tips and success. Future studies of these associations should include a larger sample size.
Methods: A radiographic review was conducted on 76 retained and submerged root tips at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM). The distance from the alveolar crest and length of root tips was compiled and examined. Root tips were evaluated using the Periapical Index (PAI) to determine if the distance from the alveolar crest has an association with higher rates of pathosis of retained root tips. All root tips were evaluated by a minimum of two evaluators who took note of submergence distance, length of root tip and PAI score. A third rater was used in the event of PAI disagreement. Data were analyzed via Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) using the statistical software package SAS (Version 9.4).
Results: 69 of 76 root tips (91%) were concluded to be successfully submerged (non-pathological). The association between submergence and success was not statistically significant (p = .92). The association between length of root tips and success was not statistically significant (p = .43). The Kappa statistic for inter-rater reliability of success/failure was 0.861.
Conclusions: Ninety-one percent of reviewed root tips showed no pathosis. No statistically significant association was found between submergence distance and success or between length of root tips and success. Future studies of these associations should include a larger sample size.