Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) Outcome and Restorative Condition of Teeth Treated by Undergraduates: A Clinical Approach

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021.

Background: The quality of the coronal restoration seems to have a greater impact on the periapical status and success of the nRCT than the quality of the root filling. The findings emphasize the importance of ensuring ongoing follow-up for the nRCT and the definitive restoration of the dental element.

Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodontically treated teeth were classified as present or absent.

Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically reexamined. The success rate for the nRCT was 98.08%. About 61.54% of this sample had a definitive composite resin restoration.

Conclusion: The nRCT success rate was high. Special attention should be given to the presence and quality of the definitive restoration. The study findings support the need for definitive restoration at the same appointment as root canal obturation and a long-term follow-up of endodontic treatment.

Clinical Implications: There was no statistically significant impact between the coronal restoration and the nRCT success (P > 0.05).