Evaluation of errors of root canal treatment performed by students of the course unit of the basic’s endo 1 and 2, at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Dentistry from 2022 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction: In some cases, errors during root canal treatment can be unavoidable. Efforts are being made to improve endodontic treatments by identifying treatment errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal treatment errors performed by the students of the preclinical stages (Endodontic Basics 1 and 2 courses) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, from 2022 to 2023.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 464 teeth and dental radiographs to determine the error types that could occur during RCT performed by dental students at preclinical stages at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The treatment was previously performed with approximately consistent preparation using step-back hand instrumentation and obturation with cold lateral compaction. For each tooth, four radiographs, including the periapical images of the initial radiograph, initial file, master cone, and final obturation radiographs, were reviewed. Technical errors investigated included transportaion, ledge, perforations, underfilling, overfilling, presence of void, separated instrument and missed canals. Two examiners assessed the radiographs following achieving intra-and inter-examiner agreements. The data were analysed statistically using STATA 14 software and the Goodness-of-fit chi-squared test. The results showed significant differences in the occurrence of different types of errors during RCT (P≤0.05).

Results: The frequency of errors in root canal treatment by dental students was 69.4%. The frequency of errors was 87.63% in molar teeth, 42.86% in two-canal premolar teeth, 24.29% in single-canal premolar teeth, and 90% in single-canal anterior teeth. The most common error in all examined teeth was related to the presence of a void (19.61%), followed by the Under-filling error (17.89%) in the second place, and the gouging error (14.01%) in the third place. Other errors included Over-filling (39.5%), ledge (3.23%), missed canal (2.80%), perforation (2.59%), fractured instrument (2.37%), and zipping (1.51%) were in the next ranks, respectively.

Conclusion: The frequency of errors in root canal treatment by dental students of preclinical stagesat Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was 69.4%.