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ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify various causes and factors necessitating root canal therapy (RCT) in people examined at RAK College of dental sciences hospital.
The study was carried out on 382 patients who reported to RAK College of Dental Sciences hospital from September 2011 to June, 2012. Diagnostic criteria used were complete dental history, thorough clinical examination and other investigative procedures such as radiographs and thermal tests. Irreversible pulpitis (43.5 % "n = 166) was the most common indication for conventional root canal therapy followed by Necrosis (28.5%, "n= 109), Fractured teeth (20.2%, "n=77), Intentional/ Prosthodontic reasons (4.7%, "n=18) and post conventional root canal therapy failure (3.2%, n=12). People who smoked had higher percentage irreversible pulpitis (24%, n=90) and necrotic tooth (19%, n=73) as indication of conventional RCT than those who did not. The most common post endondontic failures were seen in maxillary first molars (50%, n=6).
Key words: Root canal treatment, Ras Al Khaimah.
INTRODUCTION The aim of endodontic treatment is to treat or prevent apical periodontitis.1 In 1960s investigations confirmed that infection within the tooth is essential for apical periodontitis to occur.2 In 1970s and 1980s the understanding regarding the microbiology of the infected root canals was increased and improved.3-5 It also highlighted different ways in which irrigants, agitation of irrigants, and medicaments can disinfect the root canal.6-10 Every single tooth starting from the central incisor to the third molar is a potential candidate for root canal therapy. The whole concept in retaining the roots of a tooth even that which is periodontally comprised is to have equal distribution of masticatory forces rather than compromising it by extracting the tooth.
Today, many pulpless teeth, once condemned to extraction, are saved by root canal therapy: teeth with large periradicular lesions or apical cysts11-14 teeth with perforations or internal or external resorption teeth badly broken down by caries or horizontal fracture, pulpless teeth with tortuous or apparently obstructed canals or broken instruments within,15 teeth with flaring open apices, teeth that are hopelessly discolored and even teeth that are wholly or partially luxated. Apart from the various intra oral factors root canal therapy is also a suitable alternative to extraction in patients suffering from severe diabetes, heart diseases or radiation necrosis.16...