Are YouTube Videos on Root Canal Retreatment Reliable Sources of Information?

Background: The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the quality, reliability, andpatient education potential of YouTube videos addressing root canal retreatment, and to investigate the interrelationships among the assessment tools applied.Methods: The first 200 videos retrieved using the keyword “retreatment” on the YouTube platform up to March 2025 were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, and a total of58 videos were included in the study. Video content was assessed using the Global Quality Scale(GQS), the Modified DISCERN tool, and a usefulness score. Additionally, parameters such as videoduration, like ratio, interaction index, and view rate were analyzed. Statistical analyses includedthe Mann–Whitney U test, independent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation analysis.Results: The mean scores of the evaluated videos were low for the Global Quality Scale (1.88 ±0.92), Modified DISCERN (2.26 ± 1.02), and usefulness score (2.50 ± 1.14). None of the videoswere classified as having high content quality. A strong positive correlation was found betweenvideo duration and both GQS (r=0.487, P < .001) and usefulness score (r=0.361, P=.005).Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was observed between the interaction index andthe number of days since the video was uploaded (r=–0.53, P < .001).Conclusion: Most YouTube videos of root canal retreatment are characterized by low contentquality and reliability. This poses a risk of exposing patients to inaccurate or insufficient information. It is essential for healthcare professionals to produce and recommend scientificallygrounded, high quality, and reliable content to support patient education effectively.Cite this article as: Tavşan O, Ongun SK. Are YouTube videos on root canal retreatment reliable sources of information? Essent Dent.2025, 4, 0058, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25058.