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

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Material and methods</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>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 (<em>p</em> < 0.001). At tooth level, molars received more nsRCTs than anterior teeth or premolars (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Most of the nsRCTs were initiated as planned treatment compared to those initiated at emergency visits, and performed by general dentists (GDs).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Clinical relevance</h3><p>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.</p>