Oral health status and the quality of root canal treatments in patients in Zagreb, Croatia

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate, by use of analysis of orthopantomograms, oral status and quality of endodontic treatments in patients who came for treatment to Dental Clinic of School of Dentistry University of Zagreb.
Methods:
As most patients visiting our Clinic have to take orthopantomogram, in this study we used image base of our RTG laboratory. Total of 2177 orthopantomograms were examined. DMF index and quality of endodontic treatments were calculated. Quality of endodontic treatments was calculated based on filling length and presence of periapical lesions regardless of their size. According to age, subjects were divided into 6 groups: <20; 21-30; 31-40; 41-50; 51-60; >60 years. Regarding quality of endodontic treatments, subjects were divided into 3 groups: incisors, premolars and molars.
Results: Average DMF index in the whole population was 15.30, but it varies considerably regarding age of the subjects (Image 1). The lowest values were in a group <20 (DMF=3.55), and the highest in a group 60> (DMF=20.06). From the total number of endodonticaly treated teeth (N = 5504), there were more poorly treated teeth. Group of incisors shows highest percentage of success and that of molars the lowest (Images 2, 3).
Conclusions:
In conclusion, the DMF index considerably increases with age, indicating the need for better control of older age groups in order to improve their oral health. Unfortunately, the general quality of endodontic treatment was poor, indicating need for intense programs of education and training of dental practitioners.