Technical quality of root fillings in an adult Swedish population

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the technical quality of root fillings in a sample representative of the Swedish population. The material consisted of radiographs of the mandibular premolar and molar regions from 861 individuals (20–60 years old). Pulpoiomies and root fillings were registered and the periapical status and the technical quality of the root fillings were evaluated. The results showed that more than 60% of the root‐filled teeth were inadequately sealed. The defect most commonly found was incomplete obturation of the root canal. Periapical lesions were observed in 31% of the root‐filled teeth. In teelh with completely obturated root canals, only 7% had a periapical lesion, as compared to 45% of the teeth with inadequately sealed root canals.