The apical level of root fillings

Abstract

The apical level of root fillings made by general practitioners, undergraduate students and an endodontist was compared. In total, 3003 root fillings were grouped morphometrically in three classes. Class A fillings were ending at a distance from the radiographic apex. Class B fillings were ending flush with the radiographic apex or with an overfilling of not more than 1 mm, while class C consisted of fillings with a moderate (1–2 mm) or marked (> 2 mm) excess. For 2187 class A fillings the distance from the apical end of the root filling to the radiographic apex was measured to the nearest 0.5 mm. The 531 class B and 285 class C root fillings were given the distance 0.0 mm. A detailed classification of root fillings with regard to their length was then developed by calculating the average distances and standard deviations. A longer apex-distance was observed for root fillings made by the general practitioners than for those made by the undergraduates and the endodontist. Class B and C fillings were infrequently observed among fillings made by general practitioners. Roots from three-rooted teeth had been filled closer to the radiographic apex by the endodontist than by undergraduates. A higher relative number of class C fillings was observed for undergraduates than for the endodontist, while the opposite observation was made for class B cases.