Influence of Root Canal Fillings on Alveolar Bone Crest Level—An Observational Cross Sectional CBCT Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the alveolar bone crest (ABC) level of root canal filled (RCF) teeth without apical periodontitis with corresponding non-filled teeth in the same individual using three-dimensionally cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. Two hundred and thirty-five matching pairs of RCF teeth and corresponding teeth without RCF were selected from a pool of 580 random CBCT-images (voxel size 160–200 µm). Teeth with apical periodontitis, perio-endodontic lesions or surgical endodontic treatment were excluded. The distance between the cemento–enamel-junction (CEJ) and the ABC was assessed centrally mesial, distal, palatal/lingual and buccal at each tooth (∑1880 measuring points) in a standardized manner. Topographic, gender, and age-related relationships were also noted. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis-test. The ABC-level between RCF teeth (2.64 ± 1.25 mm) and teeth without RCF (2.61 ± 1.16 mm) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). No differences concerning localization (maxilla/mandible, tooth type) and gender (p > 0.05) occurred. Overall, ABC-level in the maxilla (2.74 ± 1.48 mm) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to mandibular teeth (2.50 ± 1.41 mm). Patients > 41 years had significantly lower ABC-levels than younger patients (p < 0.05). Men showed a reduced bone level compared to women (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RCF teeth are identical to their non-RCF counterparts, at least in terms of crestal bone level, regardless of the location or type of tooth and the gender of the patient. Thus, root canal treatment is an essential pillar for long-term tooth preservation.