Non-surgical root canal treatments in a public dental service: Characteristics of patients, teeth and operators from a 16-year register-based study

Objectives

According to Finnish population-based studies, 27% of dentate adults have at least one tooth with apical periodontitis (AP), and 61% have at least one root canal treated teeth (RCTT). The objective of this retrospective register-based study was to assess the prevalence of non-surgical root canal treatments (nsRCTs) performed at public dental service (PDS) of the City of Helsinki, and to describe the patient-, tooth- and operator-related factors of these treatments.

Material and methods

Data were extracted from electonic patient files used by Helsinki PDS between 2002 and 2017. NsRCTs were identified based on dental treatment codes on nsRCT initiation and root canal filling.

Results

A total of 166 218 teeth were identified with a treatment code for nsRCT. Of these, 81.4% was completed; 18.6% uncompleted nsRCTs. Younger adults and women more frequently received nsRCTs, compared with older counterparts and men (p < 0.001). At tooth level, molars received more nsRCTs than anterior teeth or premolars (p < 0.001). Most of the nsRCTs were initiated as planned treatment compared to those initiated at emergency visits, and performed by general dentists (GDs).

Conclusion

A substantial number of nsRCTs were performed annually at Helsinki PDS. The proportion of uncompleted nsRCTs was high, indicating inefficient use of resources. Our findings of patient-, tooth- and operator-related characteristics could provide new insights into the epidemiology of endodontics in a public dental care service.

Clinical relevance

While nsRCT is a common procedure in dentistry, findings from 16-year register-based study could support clinicians and decision-makers for their evidence-based treatment and management.