Periapical Status and Quality of Root Canal Obturation in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between root fillings and the presence of apical periodontitis in studies with samples containing elderly patients. The data were obtained by means of a systematic review of studies that evaluated the quality of root fillings and their relationship with periapical health. 1,376 potentially relevant articles were selected, of which 667 were repeated and 16 were duplicates. 693 abstracts were analyzed, with 608 of these being excluded and 85 selected for reading in full. Fourteen (14) articles were included, totaling data of 135,566 teeth. Of these, 13,704 (10.1%) had endodontic fillings, with 6,455 (47.1%) being considered adequate and 7,249 (52.9%) inadequate. Among the teeth with apical periodontitis, 2,084 (32.3%) had adequate endodontic fillings and 3,749 (51.6%) had inadequate fillings. There was a significant correlation between the quality of endodontic fillings considered adequate and lower frequency of apical periodontitis in elderly patients.

Accuracy of Paper Point Technique for Final Working Length Measurement after Canal Preparation

“…5 Whereas; underestimation of working length may result in incomplete debridement of root canal, that ultimately lead to failure of root canal treatment. 6,7,8 The anatomic or radiographic apex, the apical constriction also called the minor apical diameter or minor diameter and apical foramen also called major diameter are three important points described in the literature for establishment of an accurate working length. 1 Traditional methods to calculate the WL are periodontal sensitivity, tactile method, radiographic method (conventional and digital radiography) and use of electronic apex locator.9The most common method for determination of working length is the radiographic method.…”