The apical level of root fillings

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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.

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