Radiographic Evaluation of the Gap between Cemented Post and Remaining Gutta-Percha in Endodontically Treated Teeth Performed by Undergraduate Students: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The coronal seal in root canal-treated teeth may be compromised depending on the accuracy of post space preparation and post cementation along with remaining gutta-percha. Root canal treatment can be compromised by endotoxins released by the coronal bacteria as a result of microleakage. The study was conducted by undergraduate students to measure the gap between the cemented post and residual gutta-percha. In total, 217 endodontically treated teeth were evaluated with intraoral peri-apical radiographs. Based on the intraoral periapical radiographic examination in the CS-R4 program, Group I had no gap, Group II had a gap of >0 to 2 mm, and Group III had a gap of more than 2 mm between the end of the cemented post and the remaining gutta-percha. In total, 40% (n = 87) of the teeth had no gap, 59% (127) had a gap of >0 to 2 mm, and 1% (n = 3) had a gap of more than 2 mm between the cemented post end and remaining gutta. Chi square test revealed a significant difference in the gap between the post and remaining gutta-percha between males and females students (p < 0.001). In terms of the gap between the cemented post end and the residual gutta-percha, the root canal treated teeth with post and core by undergraduates were clinically acceptable.