ABSTRACT
AIM: To examine the prevalence and technical quality of root fillings and the periapical status of root-filled teeth in a subpopulation of Dakar, Senegal. METHODOLOGY: Full-mouth periapical radiographs were obtained from 208 consecutive adults presenting as new patients to the Dental Service of the University. The occurrence and technical quality of root fillings were assessed for each root according to the apical extent of the root fillings and its density. The periapical status was evaluated using the Periapical Index Scoring System with a PAI > 2 indicating periapical disease. The presence of coronal restorations and posts was also noted. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test with a significance level set at P < 0.05%. RESULTS: Of the 6234 teeth examined, 2.6% were root filled. A PAI > 2 was associated with 56.1% of the filled roots. Only 17.7% of the root fillings were technically acceptable and 26.2% of these were associated with a PAI > 2. In roots with unacceptable root fillings, 62.5% had a PAI > 2. Unacceptable root fillings were associated with a higher prevalence of periapical disease (P < 0.001). A post was seen in 18.9% of the filled roots with 66.2% associated with a PAI > 2. A permanent coronal restoration was present in 78.5% of the filled roots, of which 50.7% had a PAI > 2 vs 75.7% for no permanent restoration. At least one periapical lesion was seen in 59.6% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a low prevalence of teeth with radiographic periapical disease, a low prevalence of root-filled teeth and a high prevalence of unacceptable root fillings.
