The purpose of the present cross-sectional pilot study
was to evaluate the influence of the quality of root canal fillings and
coronal restorations on the periradicular status of these teeth.
Seventy adult patients attended the Conservative dentistry clinic
(Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum), seeking routine
dental care (not emergency care) were included. Patients were
examined and the coronal restoration status was scored according
to a modification of Ryge’s criteria for marginal adaptation. The
quality of the root filling was assessed radiographically for length
and homogeneity. The periapical status was categorized on the
basis of presence or absence of signs of apical periodontitis (AP).
The relationship between coronal status, quality of root filling and
periapical health was determined statistically using Χ2 test. Thirtyfour
teeth (48.57%) showed signs of AP. The combination of
adequate coronal restoration and adequate root filling resulted in
significantly reduced incidence of apical periodontist of 12.5%
compared to 76.47% presence of AP when both parameters
scored as inadequate. There was statistically significant relation
between the quality of the treatment and the periapical status (p =
0.001). The incidence of AP in root-filled teeth was high. The
importance of a good coronal restoration and an adequate root
filling should be stressed as they both influence the periapical
health.