Radiographic Outcomes Assessment Of 3030 Root Canal Fillings

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of root canal fillings performed by Endodontists and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs). A retrospective analysis of case records and periapical radiographs from 3,030 teeth treated between 2020 and 2023 was conducted. Pre- and post-operative radiographs assessed periapical status and root filling quality. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-squared tests. The overall quality of root canal treatment was 80.2% for length and 93.8% for density. Endodontists achieved adequate filling in 82.8% of cases, with underfilling, overfilling, missing filling, and density rates of 8.2%, 7.5%, 1.5%, and 95.6%, respectively. GDPs had lower adequate filling (77.4%) and higher rates of underfilling (9.9%), overfilling (10.0%), and missing filling (2.7%), with a density rate of 92%. Endodontists required fewer visits (2.34 ± 0.34) than GDPs (2.51 ± 0.36). Warm vertical compaction (51.36%) and single-cone obturation (48.64%) were used by endodontists, while GDPs predominantly used the single-cone technique (76.52%). Significant differences existed between endodontists and GDPs in adequate filling, overfilling, and missing filling. While no differences were noted in anterior and premolar cases, endodontists achieved better results in molars. Endodontists required fewer visits and used both warm vertical compaction and single-cone techniques, whereas GDPs preferred single-cone obturation.