Radiographic Evaluation of the Gap between Cemented Post and Remaining Gutta-Percha in Endodontically Treated Teeth Performed by Undergraduate Students: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Post and Core Restorations and the Effect of the Gap Between the Post-Restoration and the Remaining Root Canal Filling on the Apical Status in a Saudi Subpopulation

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of post and core restorations carried out by general dentists in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia using periapical radiographs. Additionally, the assessment included the examination of periapical lesions.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 301 periapical digital radiographs to assess various factors including the type of post, type of coronal restoration, post length in relation to crown and root length, presence of any abnormalities in the post space, condition of the remaining gutta-percha (GP), gap between the end of the post and the GP, and the presence of apical lesions. Analysis was conducted to determine the frequency distribution and cross-tabulation of the variables.

Results

Prefabricated metallic posts were most commonly used (62.1%), followed by metal posts which were found in 28.9% of the cases, and fiber posts which were used in 9.0% of the cases. The length of the posts in relation to the tooth were 2:1 in 32.6%, followed by 1:1 (27.9%) and 1:2 (23.6%). Parallel posts were used in 54.2% of cases, while the remaining 45.8% used tapered posts. Smooth posts were utilized in 77.1% of the cases, while serrated posts were utilized in 22.9%. Approximately 54.2% of the cases exhibited remaining GP of more than 5 mm, whereas 35.2% demonstrated adequate GP between 3-5 mm and 8.0% with remaining GP less than 3 mm. According to the study's findings, 65.1% of the samples under investigation had full coverage indirect restorations placed.

Conclusion

It was found that the post and core procedures' quality was comparable to earlier epidemiological studies. However, a significant proportion of posts were deemed to have poor technical quality, and apical periodontitis was seen in slightly more than one-third of the cases.

The effect of the gap between the cast post and residual gutta-percha and cement type on microleakage of endodontically treated teeth using the fluid filtration method

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the distance between the gutta-percha and the post, as well as the type of cement used, on the incidence of microleakage in endodontically treated teeth.

Materials and Methods

This experimental-laboratory study involved 72 single-canal, single-rooted teeth, which were randomly sorted into six study groups and two control groups, each containing nine teeth. The six groups were further divided based on the distance between gutta-percha and post (0 mm, 0-2 mm, and >2 mm) and then categorized by cement type into glass ionomers and resins. Microleakage was evaluated using the fluid filtration method at 15 and 30 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing between-subjects effects and post hoc Tukey tests at a 5% significance level.

Results

Cement type did not significantly affect microleakage (P = 0.598). However, microleakage increased significantly with larger gaps between the post and remaining gutta-percha (P = 0.002). No significant difference in microleakage was observed between the gapless and ≤2 mm groups (P = 0.328). Similarly, ≤2 mm and >2 mm groups did not show any notable difference (P = 0.054). However, the difference in microleakage between the gapless group and the ≥2 mm gap group was significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found no significant difference in microleakage between glass ionomers and resin cements. Only gaps >2 mm significantly affected microleakage.

Radiographic Assessment of 121 Glass Fiber Post Procedures in 32 Patients Aged 21-60 Years Performed by 6th-Year Dental Students During the 2022-2023 Academic Year at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) and severely damaged teeth has been a concern of clinicians. Glass Fiber Post (GFPs) combine the strength of carbon fiber posts with the esthetic appearance of glass to resemble natural dentin during dental restoration procedures. This radiographical study assessed the GFP carried out by students enrolled in the Clinical Comprehensive Course at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 patients treated by 18 6th-year dental students with 121 GFPs were assessed in this cross-sectional radiographic study. The assessment covered tooth type, arch, post-to-root width, length of post in relation to the crown and root lengths, amount of remaining gutta percha (GP), and gap between GP and post. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test. RESULTS Maxillary teeth were the most frequently restored with posts (88.4%) with most being (58.7%) anterior teeth, and 50.4% of posts had widths that were one-third that of the root. The percentage of posts was twice (71.1%) or equal to (26.4%) the crown length, whereas two-thirds of the tested GFPs were >5 mm of the remaining GP. Significant differences were observed in location and position of teeth with post width, post length in relation to crown or root length, and amount of remaining GP, with P values of 0.018, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The assessed radiographs revealed that the performance of sixth year students in accomplishment GFP radiographically was satisfactory and within the values recommended in the literature.

Evaluation of Students' Proficiency in Removing Gutta-Percha Prior to Fiber Post Placement: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study focuses on dental students' proficiency in removing gutta-percha during fiber post space preparation, which is important for maintaining apical seal integrity in endodontically treated teeth. Emphasizing the significance of preventing further reinfection. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proficiency of undergraduate dental students in the manipulation of gutta-percha during fiber post preparation, specifically focusing on the psychomotor skills involved. In addition, the study aims to determine the predictive value of these skills on the ultimate clinical outcomes of the procedure, with particular emphasis on variations attributable to tooth type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis encompassed 290 periapical radiographs obtained from endodontically treated teeth, all of which had undergone fiber post placement by undergraduate students at the College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Postoperatively, the length of the remaining gutta-percha was measured by two experts in the field, and subsequent outcomes were classified into three categories: optimal, suboptimal, and inadequate, based on the extent of gutta-percha remaining.

RESULTS

Students showed optimal removal rates ranging from 33.3% to 73.1%. Among the studied sample, upper anterior teeth were the highest included teeth (n=117, 40%). Remarkably, lower anterior teeth were more prone to suboptimal and inadequate gutta-percha remaining lengths (n=24, 33%). However, the chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference in students' psychomotor skills while removing the gutta-percha and preparing the teeth to receive fiber posts across tooth types (p-value > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

With the limitations of this study, more than half of the included cases show that undergraduate students of the College of Dentistry at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, possess an optimum level of psychomotor skills in removing gutta-percha while preparing the teeth for receiving fiber posts. This study suggests enhancing the preclinical training of students by considering more training on different tooth types in relation to dental arches.

Dentistry: A Multidisciplinary Approach

In this special issue of Medicina, we delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of dentistry, highlighting the remarkable innovations that are shaping the future of oral health and clinical dentistry practice [...].