Evaluation of Complications of Root Canal Treatment Performed by Residents and Endodontic Specialists Using Contemporary Techniques: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Endodontic treatment has benefited from the development of new techniques and equipment. Few clinical studies have been published on the complications associated with root canal preparations performed by doctors with different working experiences using contemporary techniques. This study aimed to analyze the complications of endodontic treatment performed by residents and endodontic specialists in a teaching stomatology hospital using contemporary techniques. Materials and Methods: Cases of root canal treatment (RCT) and root canal retreatment (ReRCT) performed by residents and endodontic specialists were collected from the electronic medical system of the Beijing Stomatology Hospital. The cases were examined in terms of patient age, sex, type of tooth, diagnosis, treatment plan, number of appointments, whether a rubber dam and operating microscope were used, type of irrigation used, presence of ledges, canal transportation, perforations, missed canals, separated instruments, clinical incidence of second mesiobuccal (MB2) root canal in the maxillary molars, and occurrence of flare-ups. Results: In total, 859 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of complications in the resident group were significantly higher than in the specialist group. More ledges and flare-ups were observed in the resident group. There were no significant differences in root canal transportation, perforation, or instrument separation between the two groups. The findings of MB2 in the maxillary molars were significantly higher in the specialist group. Univariate analysis showed that the incidence of root canal preparation complications was related to operator experience and tooth type. Conclusion: Operator experience influenced ledges, flare-ups, and finding MB2, but did not affect root canal transportation, perforation, or instrument separation with contemporary techniques. Clinical Relevance: With the development of new techniques and equipment of endodontics therapy, whether clinical experience has an effect on the complications of root canal treatment.