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Introducing nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation in a public dental service: the long-term effect on root filling
Lisbeth Dahlström1, Anders Molander, Claes Reit
1Department of Endodontology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden. lisbeth.dahlstrom@vgregion.se
Objective:
The aim of this study was to study the long-term effect on root filling quality after the introduction of nickel titanium rotary instrumentation (NTRI) within a public dental health organization.
Study Design:
After an education package, including hands-on training and/or lectures, the root filling quality was evaluated at the organizational level. All general dental practitioners (GDPs) employed at primary evaluation (n = 120) and after 4 years (n = 174) were included.
Results:
The improved root filling quality had been maintained 4 years later. The frequency of excellent root fillings was slightly higher at the long-term follow-up (52%) compared with the short-term follow-up (45%; P = .038). A nonsignificant decrease in very poor-quality root fillings was registered.
Conclusions:
A technology shift among GDPs to NTRI will increase the rate of good-quality root fillings. However, the shift per se will not eliminate the problem of substandard clinical performance.
