Prevalence and quality of root canal fillings in a German adult population. A survey of orthopantomograms taken in 1983 and 1992.

The few studies in which prevalence, technical quality, and success rates of root canal fillings performed in daily practice have been assessed demonstrated a high proportion of inappropriate root fillings and a great variety of periapical radiolucencies (25-60%). The aim of the present retrospective radiographic study was to determine if changes in prevalence, technical quality, and success of root canal fillings had occurred within a decade. To achieve this goal, orthopantomograms taken in patients who attended a University Dental Clinic for the first time in 1983 (group A) and in 1992 (group B) were evaluated by a calibrated examiner. The following criteria were applied to assess the root-filled teeth: length and homogeneity of the root fillings and the periapical state. The prevalence of root-filled teeth increased significantly from an average 0.5 per person in 1983 to 0.8 per person in 1992. The increase was proportionally greater in older patients. In group A, 55.2% of the root fillings ended 0-2 mm before the radiographic apex and in group B this percentage was 56.8. Insufficient homogeneity was found in 25.0% (group A) and 21.9% (group B) of the root fillings. The prevalence of root-filled teeth without periapical destructions was 76.1% (group A) and 74.1% (group B). It is concluded that, in the future, endodontic treatment need will increase because of the steadily growing number of older people. Further efforts in research and dental education should focus on the treatment of curved root canals.