AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightFurthermore, further research is needed to support the literature because root canal treatment requires high technical precision and may be challenging to perform, especially in pediatric patients.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Background: This study aims to radiographically examine the periapical condition of permanent first molars that have undergone root canal treatment in pediatric patients, the quality of their coronal restorations and root canal treatments, and the factors that affect treatment success. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of children aged 6–12 who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Kocaeli University Faculty of Dentistry for routine oral examinations between 2020 and 2024 were examined. The 235 permanent first molars that had undergone root canal treatment in 196 patients were evaluated radiologically regarding the quality of root canal treatment (root canal filling level/homogeneity) and coronal restoration, as well as the periradicular health status. The data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-Square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Radiologically evaluated root canal-treated teeth were found to have diseased periapical tissues in 62.1% of cases. Root canal filling was inadequate in 65.1% of teeth, while 53.2% had non-homogeneous root canal filling. Forty-four point seven percent of the coronal restorations were evaluated as adequate. A significantly higher incidence of periapical disease was observed in the mandible. A statistically significant relationship was found between the quality of root canal treatment and the periradicular condition with coronal restoration (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study evaluating pediatric patients, inadequate root canal filling quality and coronal restorations jeopardize the prognosis of root canal-treated teeth. Furthermore, further research is needed to support the literature because root canal treatment requires high technical precision and may be challenging to perform, especially in pediatric patients.