Factors that affect the rate of retakes for endodontic treatment radiographs

The purpose of this study was to determine the most accurate method of taking radiographs during endodontic treatment to minimize the number of retakes. To accomplish this, the rate of retakes in an endodontic clinic at a dental school was measured. Then the effect that two factors, anatomic location and type of film holder, had on this rate were calculated and analyzed. Criteria for acceptability were that radiographs have adequate coverage and minimal distortion. Two endodontists evaluated endodontic treatment radiographs taken by undergraduate dental students to determine if these criteria were met. Of 402 films evaluated 77% were considered to be acceptable. A significantly higher rate of acceptability occurred with films taken in the mandible compared with those taken in the maxilla. The EndoRay (Rinn Corp., Elgin, Ill.) and hemostat were the only types of film holders compared. Films taken with the EndoRay in the maxilla had a significantly higher acceptability rate than those taken in the maxilla with a hemostat. No difference in acceptability existed between the two film holders when radiographs were taken in the mandible.