Stress distribution in a tooth treated through minimally invasive access compared to one treated through traditional access: A finite element analysis study

A narrative review of cracks in teeth: Aetiology, microstructure and diagnostic challenges

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the available evidence of crack formation in teeth and to discuss the limitations of the current clinical diagnostic modalities for crack detection in teeth.

BACKGROUND

Cracks are a common clinical finding in teeth and yet clinicians still struggle to identify the full extent and orientation of cracks for their appropriate timely management. The biomechanics of crack development can be due to multiple factors and can differ from an unrestored tooth to a restored or endodontically treated tooth.

DATA & SOURCES

This narrative review has been designed following the guidelines published by Green et al. 2006 [1] Published literature in the English language that addresses the objectives of this review up to July 2022 was sourced from online databases and reference lists. The relevance of the papers was assessed and discussed by two reviewers. A total of 101 publications were included in this narrative review.

CONCLUSIONS

The initiation and development of cracks in teeth are likely linked to an interplay between the masticatory forces and fracture resistance of the remaining tooth structure. From the identified literature, the quality and quantity of remaining tooth structure in a restored or endodontically-treated tooth affects the biomechanics of crack development compared to an unrestored tooth. The extent, orientation, and size of the cracks do affect a clinician's ability to detect cracks in teeth. There is still a need to develop reliable diagnostic tools that will accurately identify cracks in teeth beneath restorations to enable effective monitoring of their propagation and provide appropriate interventions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The development and propagation of cracks in an unrestored tooth differ greatly from a restored and endodontically treated tooth; mainly linked to the quantity and quality of the remaining tooth structure and the forces acting on them. Identifying the extent of cracks in teeth remains challenging for early clinical intervention.

Traditional versus conservative endodontic access impact on fracture resistance of chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate anterior crowns: An in vitro study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of traditional and conservative endodontic access hole preparation on fracture resistance of chairside computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) lithium disilicate maxillary right central incisor crowns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven milled lithium disilicate maxillary right central incisor crowns were designed and fabricated with a chairside CAD-CAM system (Planmeca Romexis, Planmeca). The abutment preparation had a 1.0 mm incisal reduction and 1.0 mm chamfer finish. The restorations were bonded with resin cement to printed resin dies (n = 19 per group) and were treated and divided into three groups, (1) no endodontic access, (2) traditional triangular endodontic access, and (3) conservative ovoidal endodontic access. The endodontic access of the crowns was sealed with flowable resin composite. Restorations were subjected to 10,000 cycles of thermal cycling between 5° and 55°C. Then, restorations were loaded and exposed to compressive loading force, and the crack initiation (CI) and complete fracture (CF) were recorded. SEM micrographs of broken specimens on the printed dies were captured. ANOVA test and Bonferroni's correction were used for statistical comparison.

RESULTS

The fracture resistance among the three groups varied. Crowns with no endodontic access displayed significantly (p < 0.001) higher resistance [CI: 1025 (121) N; CF 1134 (127) N], followed by crowns with conservative ovoidal endodontic access [CI: 924 (60) N; CF: 1000 (72) N. Crowns with traditional triangular endodontic access showed the significantly (p < 0.001) lowest fracture resistance [CI: 635 (82) N; CF: 709 (75) N].

CONCLUSION

The fracture resistance of chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate maxillary anterior crowns is influenced by the type of endodontic access provided. Conservative ovoidal endodontic access provides crowns with higher fracture resistance than traditional triangular endodontic access. Crowns with no endodontic access provided the highest resistance than other types of endodontic access.

Assessment of minimally invasive file systems on resistance to fracture using traditional and contracted access cavity designs in the maxillary first and second molars

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of access cavity design on fracture resistance of the extracted maxillary first and second molars prepared with three minimally invasive files.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and twelve extracted human maxillary molars were selected for the study and divided randomly into three groups according to different minimally invasive files used (self-adjusting files [SAF], XP-endo Shaper [XP], and 4 V-Taper 2H [VT]) and one control group (CG). All experimental groups were subdivided into two subgroups, i.e., conservative access cavity (CAC) and traditional access cavity (TAC). All the canals in different experimental groups were enlarged up to apical size 30. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Post hoc Tukey tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The highest mean fracture resistance of teeth with CAC was of the CG (1399.957), followed by teeth with CAC instrumented by SAF (1378.314) and XP-endo Shaper (1202.929). The least value was of the V-Taper file system (937.157). Furthermore, the highest mean fracture resistance value of teeth with TAC was of the CG (1143.171), followed by teeth with TAC instrumented by SAF (1150.607) and then XP-endo Shaper (998.150). The least value was of the V Taper file system (757.050).

Conclusion

Conservative endodontic access (CAC) in the maxillary molars had shown significantly increased fracture resistance over TAC. SAF showed the maximum fracture resistance, while V-Taper files showed the least fracture resistance among the experimental groups compared.

Stresses in teeth with External Cervical Resorption defects restored with different Biomimetic cements: A Finite Element Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study compared the stress distributions in teeth with simulated external cervical resorption defects restored with different restorative materials and identified areas of high stress concentration.

METHODS

A maxillary central incisor created in a scanned model using HyperWorks software served as control. External cervical resorption defects based on Shanon Patel's classification were created (1Bd/2Bd/3Bd) in the scanned model. The defects were restored using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Bioaggregate. On all the models a force of 100 N was applied on palatal aspect, 2 mm incisal to cingulum directed at 45° along the long axis of the tooth.

RESULTS

The stresses generated in dentin and cementum is less, with a restorative material having high Young's modulus. For 1Bd defect, MTA and Bioaggregate showed least stresses in dentin and cementum respectively, whereas Biodentine had consistently lower stresses in dentin and cementum both. Larger defects like 2Bd and 3Bd restored with Bioaggregate exhibited minimum stresses in dentin and cementum.

CONCLUSION

Bioaggregate and Biodentine replace dentin with maximum stress and maximum strain. Elastic moduli similar to or higher than dentin are preferred for restoring cervical third resorptive lesions of the tooth.

Teeth Restored with Bulk–Fill Composites and Conventional Resin Composites; Investigation of Stress Distribution and Fracture Lifespan on Enamel, Dentin, and Restorative Materials via Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Objectives: the aim of this study was to examine the stress distribution of enamel, dentin, and restorative materials in sound first molar teeth with restored cavities with conventional resin composites and bulk–fill composites, as well as to determine their fracture lifetimes by using the three-dimensional finite element stress analysis method. Materials and Methods: an extracted sound number 26 tooth was scanned with a dental tomography device and recorded. Images were obtained as dicom files, and these files were transferred to the Mimics 12.00 program. In this program, different masks were created for each tooth tissue, and the density thresholds were adjusted manually to create a three-dimensional image of the tooth, and these were converted to a STL file. The obtained STL files were transferred to the Geomagic Design X program, and some necessary adjustments, such as smoothing, were made, and STP files were created. Cavity preparation and adhesive material layers were created by transferring STP files to the Solidworks program. Finally, a FE model was created in the ABAQUS program, and stress distributions were analyzed. Results: when the bulk–fill composite and conventional resin composite materials were used in the restoration of the cavity, the structures that were exposed to the most stress as a result of occlusal forces on the tooth were enamel, dentin, restorative material, and adhesive material. When the bulk–fill composite material was used in restoration, while the restorative material had the longest fracture life as a result of stresses, the enamel tissue had the shortest fracture life. When the conventional resin composite material was used as the restorative material, it had the longest fracture life, followed by dentin and enamel. Conclusion: when the bulk–fill composite material was used instead of the conventional resin composite material in the cavity, the stress values on enamel, dentin, and adhesive material increased as a result of occlusal forces, while the amount of stress on the restorative material decreased. In the fracture analysis, when the bulk–fill composite material was used instead of the conventional resin composite material, a decrease in the number of cycles required for the fracture of enamel, dentin, and restorative materials was observed as a result of the forces generated in the oral cavity.

A Review of Image-Based Simulation Applications in High-Value Manufacturing

Image-Based Simulation (IBSim) is the process by which a digital representation of a real geometry is generated from image data for the purpose of performing a simulation with greater accuracy than with idealised Computer Aided Design (CAD) based simulations. Whilst IBSim originates in the biomedical field, the wider adoption of imaging for non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT/NDE) within the High-Value Manufacturing (HVM) sector has allowed wider use of IBSim in recent years. IBSim is invaluable in scenarios where there exists a non-negligible variation between the 'as designed' and 'as manufactured' state of parts. It has also been used for characterisation of geometries too complex to accurately draw with CAD. IBSim simulations are unique to the geometry being imaged, therefore it is possible to perform part-specific virtual testing within batches of manufactured parts. This novel review presents the applications of IBSim within HVM, whereby HVM is the value provided by a manufactured part (or conversely the potential cost should the part fail) rather than the actual cost of manufacturing the part itself. Examples include fibre and aggregate composite materials, additive manufacturing, foams, and interface bonding such as welding. This review is divided into the following sections: Material Characterisation; Characterisation of Manufacturing Techniques; Impact of Deviations from Idealised Design Geometry on Product Design and Performance; Customisation and Personalisation of Products; IBSim in Biomimicry. Finally, conclusions are drawn, and observations made on future trends based on the current state of the literature.

Comparison of Er:YAG laser and ultrasonic in root canal disinfection under minimally invasive access cavity

The disinfection of root canal through minimally invasive access cavity remains questionable. This in vitro study compared the effectiveness of three disinfection measures including conventional irrigation, ultrasonic assisted irrigation, and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser assisted irrigation through conventionally or minimally invasive access. Sixty-six extracted maxillary first molars were randomly divided into group 1 conventionally invasive access group (CIA) and group 2 computer-guided minimally invasive access group (MIA). Each group was further randomly divided into three subgroups, (A) conventional irrigation (CI), (B) passive ultrasonic agitation (PUI), and (C) Er:YAG laser activated irrigation (LAI). Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) infection model was established inside all root canals after instrumentation was performed up to ProTaper Universal F2. After various disinfection methods, microbial samples were collected from root canals by paper tip method and cultured, and colony forming units (CFU) values of each sample were calculated. Then the root canals were enlarged to the size of F3, after which dentin debris was collected from the F3 file. After dilution and culturing, the CFU value was calculated for each group. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test the interaction. The results revealed a significant antagonism (F = 3.394, P = 0.043). The bacterial CFU counts of group B and group C were significantly less than that of group A (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between group B and C (P > 0.05). Additionally, group 2A was better than group 1A (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference between group 1B and group 2B, group 1C and group 2C (P > 0.05). Comparison of the bacterial CFU counts in dentin debris after disinfection, the results revealed a significant antagonism (F = 7.224, P = 0.002), and group C had the least. The disinfection effect of Er:YAG laser or ultrasonic assisted computer-guided minimally invasive access is similar to conventionally invasive access, and Er:YAG laser is better than ultrasonic in removing bacteria from dentinal tubules and is easy to operate, which is more suitable for minimally invasive root canal treatment.

Influence of minimally invasive access cavities on load capacity of root‐canal‐treated teeth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

This systematic review (PROSPERO-CRD42020147333) aimed to compare the effects of conservative, ultraconservative and truss access cavities with traditional access cavities on the load capacity of root-canal-treated teeth. Online databases were searched until December 2021, and 25 ex vivo studies in which the effects of different access cavities on load capacity of permanent teeth had been investigated were included. Quality assessment was completed using a modified risk of bias tool for in vitro studies adapted from previous studies. Meta-analysis was performed using the maximum-likelihood-based random-effects model with similar groups. Conservative access cavities significantly improved the load capacity of maxillary premolars (p < 0.01 [-1.32, -0.028]) and molars (p < 0.05 [-0.89, -0.02]) compared to traditional access cavities. Additionally, truss access cavities significantly improved the load capacity of mandibular molars with (p < 0.05, [-1.18, -0.02]) mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparations. Higher levels of evidence are needed to determine the long-term implications of minimal preparations for treatment outcomes.

A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study the load capacity and clinical behavior of the root filled teeth

The prognosis of root‐filled teeth depends not only on a successful root canal treatment but also on the restorative prognosis. This critical review discusses the advantages and limitations of various methodologies used to assess the load capacity or clinical survivability of root‐filled teeth and restorations. These methods include static loading, cyclic loading, finite element analysis and randomized clinical trials. In vitro research is valuable for preclinical screening of new dental materials or restorative modalities. It also can assist investigators or industry to decide whether further clinical trials are justified. It is important that these models present high precision and accuracy, be reproducible, and present adequate outcomes. Although in vitro models can reduce confounding by controlling important variables, the lack of clinical validation (accuracy) is a downside that has not been properly addressed. Most importantly, many in vitro studies did not explore the mechanisms of failure and their results are limited to rank different materials or treatment modalities according to the maximum load capacity. An extensive number of randomized clinical trials have also been published in the last years. These trials have provided valuable insight on the survivability of the root‐filled tooth answering numerous clinical questions. However, trials can also be affected by the selected outcome and by intrinsic and extrinsic biases. For example, selection bias, loss to follow‐up and confounding. In the clinical scenario, hypothesis‐based studies are preferred over observational and retrospective studies. It is recommended that hypothesis‐based studies minimize error and bias during the design phase.

A comparison of volume of tissue removed and biomechanical analysis of different access cavity designs in two-rooted mandibular first molars: a multi-sample three-dimensional finite element analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties and the amount of coronal tissue removed among the different access cavities with a multi-sample three-dimensional finite element analysis in mandibular first molar. The correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the fracture resistance of the teeth was also analysed.

METHODS

Micro-CT data from 20 two-rooted mandibular first molars were included in this study as three-dimensional modelling prototypes. The models of untreated molars and molars treated with the Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC), the Conservative Access Cavity (ConsAC) and the straight-line minimally invasive endodontic access cavities (SMIAC) were created. Each model was loaded in 3 ways to simulate the functional conditions of occlusion. The amount of tissue removed and the maximum stress in the cervical region were recorded and analysed, and the correlation between them was also analysed.

RESULTS

The amount of coronal tissue and peri-cervical dentin (PCD) removed in SMIAC and ConsAC was less than that of TradAC. The mean maximum stress in the cervical region was significantly smaller in SMIAC and ConsAC than in TradAC. The amount of hard tissue and PCD loss was positively correlated with the maximum stress in the cervical region of the tooth.

CONCLUSIONS

In mandibular first molars, it could be beneficial to improve the fracture resistance of the tooth after endodontic treatment by the minimally invasive access cavity to reduce the loss of coronal tooth tissue and PCD. The SMIAC may be an option balancing biomechanical properties and clinical convenience.

Current strategies for conservative endodontic access cavity preparation techniques-systematic review, meta-analysis, and decision-making protocol

OBJECTIVES

To assess related studies and discuss the clinical implications of endodontic access cavity (AC) designs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of studies comparing the fracture resistance and/or endodontic outcomes between different AC designs was conducted in two electronic search databases (PubMed and Web of Science) following the PRISMA guidelines. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Meta-analyses were undertaken for fracture resistance and root canal detection, with the level of significance set at 0.05 (P = 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 33 articles were included in this systematic review. The global evaluation of the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed as moderate, and the level of evidence was rated as low. Four types of AC designs were categorized: traditional (TradAC), conservative (ConsAC), ultraconservative (UltraAC), and truss (TrussAC). Their impact on fracture resistance, cleaning/disinfection, procedural errors, root canal detection, treatment time, apical debris extrusion, and root canal filling was discussed. Meta-analysis showed that compared to TradAC, (i) there is a significant higher fracture resistance of teeth with ConsAC, TrussAC, or ConsAC/TrussAC when all marginal ridges are preserved (P < 0.05), (ii) there is no significant effect of the type of AC on the fracture resistance of teeth when one or two marginal ridges are lost (P > 0.05), and (iii) there is a significantly higher risk of undetected canals with ConsAC if not assisted by dental operating microscope and ultrasonic troughing (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing the AC extent does not necessarily present mechanical and biological advantages especially when one or more surfaces of the tooth structure are lost. To date, the evidence available does not support the application of TrussAC. UltraAC might be applied in limited occasions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Maintaining the extent of AC design as small as practical without jeopardizing the root canal treatment quality remains a pragmatic recommendation. Different criteria can guide the practitioner for the optimal extent of AC outline form which varies from case to case.

Traditional and minimally invasive access cavities in endodontics: a literature review

The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of different access cavity designs on endodontic treatment and tooth prognosis. Two independent reviewers conducted an unrestricted search of the relevant literature contained in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and OpenGrey. The electronic search was supplemented by a manual search during the same time period. The reference lists of the articles that advanced to second-round screening were hand-searched to identify additional potential articles. Experts were also contacted in an effort to learn about possible unpublished or ongoing studies. The benefits of minimally invasive access (MIA) cavities are not yet fully supported by research data. There is no evidence that this approach can replace the traditional approach of straight-line access cavities. Guided endodontics is a new method for teeth with pulp canal calcification and apical infection, but there have been no cost-benefit investigations or time studies to verify these personal opinions. Although the purpose of MIA cavities is to reflect clinicians' interest in retaining a greater amount of the dental substance, traditional cavities are the safer method for effective instrument operation and the prevention of iatrogenic complications.

Effects of ultrasonic refinement on endodontic access cavity walls: A microcomputed tomography analysis

Objectives

The present study aimed in assessing the coronal defects after access cavity finishing and refinement by micro.

Methods

Access cavities on thirty molars were prepared using a diamond bur. To finish and refine the access cavity, the Endo-Z was used in group 1 (n=15) and Start X 1 in group 2. Preparation time was recorded. A micro-CT scan was done before and after access preparation. Formation and location of the new defects were registered, the extension of defects calculated and the direction of the extension registered, preparation time and surface roughness determined (P < 0.05).

Results

Preparation time was significantly higher with ultrasonics (P <0.001). Internal walls showed smoother surfaces for Endo-Z group. Newly counts and extension length of defects weren't significantly different between groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Ultrasonic tips induced new cracks. Both instruments caused the extension of cracks. Ultrasonic tips requires more time and results in significantly rougher surfaces.

Influence of "MOTRCS" factors on the performance of various direct and indirect restorations: A finite element analysis

Aim of the Study:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the occlusal relationship of the mesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular first molar with the marginal ridge of maxillary first molar and second premolar and to analyze the effect of the above occlusal relation on different direct and indirect restorations using finite element analysis (FEA).

Methodology:

Four hundred volunteers studying in a dental college were screened, of which 100 volunteers were selected for studying occlusal relationships based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The two most common occlusal relationships were considered for analyzing two direct (amalgam and direct composite restorations) and two indirect restorations (composite and ceramic restorations). Three-dimensional (3D) scanning of the models was performed, and Class II tooth preparations specific for each restorative material were prepared digitally on 3D models. FEA was employed to study von Mises (VM) stress, principal stresses, and cuspal deflection for each restorative material, and failure of the tooth-restoration unit was calculated using the modified Mohr failure criterion.

Results:

Among all the analyzed materials, cuspal deformation, principal stresses, and VM stresses were high for direct composite restoration and least for ceramic inlay. According to modified Mohr criteria, except for direct composite, all other materials performed better.

Conclusion:

Silver amalgam and ceramic restorations presented with minimal stress concentration and cuspal deflection, and Type I occlusal relationship presented with higher stress concentration compared to Type II.

Stress evaluation of different implant lengths on atrophic edentulous mandibles with fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis: a finite element analysis

Finite element analysis was used to compare the effect of different implant lengths on atrophic mandible with full-arch fixed prostheses. Four models were constructed with different implant lengths: 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm. A 100-N occlusal load was applied. The stress at the bone level, implant, and prosthetic components were obtained. Similar behavior was observed for all groups, except for 4 mm, which showed more discrepant values ​​for all prosthetic components. Although longer implants presented better biomechanical behavior, the 4 mm implant seems to be a viable alternative for severely atrophic mandibles, however, further studies need to be carried out.

A comparative evaluation of the effect of different access cavity designs on root canal instrumentation efficacy and resistance to fracture assessed on maxillary central incisors: An in vitro study

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effect of different access cavity designs on root canal instrumentation efficacy using micro-computed tomography (CT) scan and resistance to fracture evaluated using the universal testing machine on maxillary central incisor.

Materials and Methodology:

Forty extracted human permanent maxillary central incisors were divided into four groups for each access cavity. The access cavities were prepared according to predefined criteria and were further assessed under Micro-CT to evaluate pre and postoperative instrumentation efficacy. After biomechanical preparation and obturation, the teeth were wrapped with tin foil to maintain a thickness of 0.2–0.3 mm as periodontal ligament. Then, the silicon impression material was applied in the acrylic alveolus, to maintain and simulate the thickness of periodontal ligament and fracture resistance was checked using the universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test. Pair-wise comparison was made using post hoc multiple comparison (Tukey) test.

Results:

Fracture resistance was highest (1272 N) for the control group followed by the Lingual Conventional Access Group (1153.90 N). Fracture resistance for Lingual Cingulum Access Group was 1130.70 N and least for the Lingual Incisal Straight-Line Access Group (1022.80 N). This difference in fracture resistance among all the groups was significant (P = 0.001). Overall comparison showed that dentin volume reduction (DVR) for Group II was 22.45 mm3, for Group III was 17.37 mm³ and for Group IV was 28. 41 mm³. This difference in DVR among the three groups was significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

The most effective instrumentation efficacy was obtained in lingual incisal straight-line access group, followed by lingual cingulum access group, followed by lingual conventional access group. The most effective fracture resistance was obtained in the lingual conventional access group, followed by the lingual cingulum access group, followed by the lingual incisal straight-line access group.

Effect of Alternative Palatal Root Access Technique on Fracture Resistance of Root Canal Treated Maxillary Fourth Premolar Teeth in Dogs

A biomechanical study was performed to identify the effect of different treatment methods for difficult to instrument palatal roots on the fracture resistance of root canal treated maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs. Forty maxillary fourth premolar teeth with surrounding alveolar bone were harvested from beagle cadavers. Inclusion criteria included maxillary fourth premolars with no evidence of disease and similar distal root canal volumes on radiographic evaluation. The teeth were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups based on the endodontic treatment technique for the palatal root. The control group had a single 2 mm transcoronal access on the mesiobuccal aspect of the tooth to allow instrumentation of both the mesiobuccal and palatal root through a single small access. Alternative treatment modalities that are described for difficult to instrument palatal roots investigated in this study included enlarging the transcoronal mesiobuccal access to 4 mm, making an additional access directly over the palatal root (2 mm), and hemisection with extraction of the palatal root. All teeth had the same distal root access size (2 mm) and relative location. After access, all teeth were filed, shaped, obturated, and restored in the same fashion. Axial compression testing was performed at an angle of 60 degrees to the long axis of the tooth using a universal materials testing machine. The maximum force prior to fracture was determined for each tooth based on a force vs. deflection curve. The mean maximum force prior to fracture for all teeth was 831 N. No significant difference in mean fracture resistance was identified between the control group and treatment groups or between the different treatment groups themselves. Thus, when faced with a difficult to instrument palatal root, the treatment method chosen should be based on operator preference and experience.

An insight into patient's perceptions regarding root canal treatment: A questionnaire-based survey

Background:

A key setback of root canal treatment (RCT) is that most patients lack adequate knowledge about it. Understanding and identifying the factors that hinder or discourage patients from undergoing RCT is necessary to adequately address the issue. The review of literature shows that there is a paucity of data about the awareness and acceptance of RCT among patients in Indian population. Thus, the study was conducted with aim to assess patients’ awareness of RCT among patients reporting in Desh Bhagat Dental College and Hospital, Mandi Gobindgarh. By surveying the patients, a broad patient perspective on the issue was sought.

Materials and Methods:

This survey was conducted with the help of prestructured questionnaire consisting of 15 questions, distributed to random 450 patients coming to the outpatient department of Conservative dentistry and Endodontics in Desh Bhagat Dental College and Hospital. The completed questionnaires were then analyzed to assess patients’ experiences, concerns, and perceptions about RCT.

Results:

There is a lack of awareness among patients regarding RCT.

Conclusion:

It is important to create more awareness among the populace of our country about the significance of maintaining a healthy dentition and attendant sequel if not done so. More patients would consider having endodontic procedures if properly made aware of.