Pre-operative diagnostic radiograph interpretation by general dental practitioners for root canal treatment

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate which radicular radiographic features general dentists want to interpret, determine which of the radicular radiographic features general dentists interpret and which ones they miss in a diagnostic radiograph and correlate how accurately general dentists are able to interpret radiographic features. Methods: 20 general dental practitioners were selected and given 2 sets of questionnaires. The first set asked them to fill out the findings they would elucidate in a diagnostic radiograph while the second set consisted of 30 randomly selected intraoral radiographs to interpret. Results: In the first set of questionnaires, more than 50% of dentists said they would interpret periapical changes, calcification, root curvature and the number of root canals. Less than 50% said they would interpret canal morphology, open apex, resorption, fracture, number of roots and lamina dura. In the second set of questionnaires, more than 90% missed grade 1 or 2 periapical changes (according to periapical index scoring), resorption and canal calcification. More than 80% of dentists missed extra roots and root curvature buccally while no dentists were able to interpret the periodontal ligament width changes, lamina dura and canal variation (C-shape). Using a paired t-test, there was significant variation in answers between the first set and second set of questionnaires. Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that general dental practitioners are able to detect radiographic changes when they are extensive but they miss periodontal ligament width and lamina dura changes.

Aetiology, incidence and morphology of the C‐shaped root canal system and its impact on clinical endodontics

“…, Moor , Grocholewicz et al . , Sherwood ). Nonetheless, clinicians should be familiar with the radiographic appearance of C‐shaped root canals.…”

Computerized Tomography Technique for the Investigation of the Maxillary First Molar Mesiobuccal Root

“…While many ex vivo studies investigated the presence of a mesiobuccal canal using canal staining, cross-sectioning, and dentine examination through magnification devices [13–15], the most used technique to investigate the anatomy of these teeth prior to an endodontic treatment is periapical radiography, which does not allow a complete detailed evaluation of the root canal anatomy [16]. …”

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“…Radiographic examination of the periapical region is important when evaluating periapical status before endodontic treatment and for the success and failure of root canal treatment, from preoperative intraoral periapical view radiograph, the following radicular findings was assessed 16 :…”