Time assessment for final restoration of endodontically treated teeth in a university clinic setting: An observational study

Abstract

Background: The aim was to quantify the time elapsed between tooth reconstruction and the end of endodontic treatment, and to assess differences according to sex, age, and tooth group. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with patient clinical records. Data relating to patient characteristics, treated teeth, endodontic treatment, and subsequent restorative treatment were recorded. Results: For this study, 355 endodontically treated teeth by undergraduate students during 2019 were included. 24 teeth (6.76 %) were not restored, more direct (86.4 %) than indirect (13.6 %) restorations were performed, and the most frequent type of restoration was complex filling. The mean elapsed time from endodontic completion to direct restoration was 7 days, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 90 days. For indirect restorations the mean elapsed time was 21 days. Conclusions: The median elapsed time for endodontic tooth reconstruction was 7 days (IQR = 7), however, treatment should not be considered completed until the tooth has been properly restored. In cases where an indirect restoration was also necessary, the median elapsed time was higher (21 days; IQR = 31.5).