Retrospective study on the 5-year survival and success of primary endodontic treatment performed by intern dentists

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the 5-year survival and success rates of primary endodontic treatments performed by dental interns and to determine the factors that may affect these rates. Materials and Methods: The study included permanent teeth that underwent primary root canal treatment by dental interns in the clinic of the Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Süleyman Demirel University, between July 2018 and July 2019. Patient records, clinical notes and digital radiographic images were retrospectively analyzed. Post-treatment presence of the teeth was evaluated in terms of "survival" and periapical tissue health was evaluated in terms of "success". The success of the treatment was analyzed based on parameters such as length and density of root canal filling, type and integrity of the coronal restoration, and presence of proximal contact. Data were statistically analyzed and survival and success rates were evaluated by regression analysis and chi-square test. Results: The 5-year survival rate of the 117 teeth analyzed was 67.5%. The factors affecting survival were restoration quality, presence of perforation, length of root canal filling and presence of periapical lesions before treatment (p<0.05). The success rate was 47.9% and the factors that had the most significant effect on success were restoration quality, length of root canal filling, homogeneity, taper, and presence of periapical lesions before treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Primary endodontic treatments performed by dental interns are acceptable in terms of long-term survival and success when appropriate clinical and radiographic criteria are met. However, factors such as proper root canal filling quality and integrity of the restoration seem to play a critical role in increasing treatment success. Keywords: Intern Dentist, Survival, Success, Retrospective Study, Primary Endodontic Treatment.