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OR37 - Effect of Apical Preparation Size on Endodontic Treatment Outcomes

Thursday, May 4, 2023

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM CT

Location: E353B (Level 3)

Presenter(s)

Joe Vaughn, D.M.D.

Resident
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

Garry L. Myers, D.D.S.

Graduate Program Director
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Disclosure information not submitted.
RG

Robert Grover, D.D.S.

Affiliate Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University
Charlottesville, Virginia

Disclosure information not submitted.
Caroline Carrico, Ph.D.

Biostatistician
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Disclosure information not submitted.
Duane Schafer, D.D.S.

Dept Chair, Endodontics
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Disclosure information not submitted.

Introduction: Previous authors have attempted to identify the ideal apical preparation size needed to achieve endodontic treatment objectives. Despite vast literature on the topic, there is a lack of consensus on ideal enlargement, with few studies discussing the effect of apical prep enlargement on clinical outcomes. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of final apical preparation size on endodontic outcomes in maxillary and mandibular molars treated in both a graduate endodontic clinic and a private practice.

Methods: A chart review was conducted for patients seen at the VCU graduate endodontic clinic as well as a private practice. A total of 200 cases were included from each location. Eligible cases included maxillary and mandibular first and second molars that were treated by primary root canal therapy and had at least an 11 month recall available. Healing outcomes by individual root were evaluated radiographically by three board certified endodontists. Patient charts were reviewed by the author for each case, and the ending apical prep size among other variables were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation of apical prep size with radiographic healing outcomes.

Results: When accounting for individual root, there were no statistically significant differences in healing outcomes between any of the apical preparation sizes reviewed.

Conclusions: While previous studies have shown the debridement and disinfection benefits of larger apical preparation sizes, the present study found no direct correlation between apical preparation size and radiographic outcomes.