Complexity of root canal treatment: Evaluation of cases using the restorative index of treatment need system: A descriptive cross sectional study

• Published in: Saudi endodontic journal 2021-01, Vol.11 (2), p.214-220
• Main Authors: Joan Emien Enabulele, Louis O Ibhawoh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: assessment; complexity; endodontics; restorative index of treatment need; root canal treatment
• ISSN: 2320-1495; 2320-1495
• DOI: 10.4103/sej.sej_120_20

Introduction: The complex anatomy of the root canal system, the challenging oral environment as well as some patient factors tend to pose challenges to realizing endodontic treatment goals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complexity of root canal treatment using the Restorative Index of Treatment Need (RIOTN) system. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients who received endodontic treatment between May 2018 and July 2019. The data obtained were medical history, tooth for endodontic treatment, and clinical and radiographic findings. The RIOTN system was applied to grade the complexity of root canal treatment. All data garnered were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Results: The sample population consisted of 114 patients with 124 root-treated teeth. In all, 12.9% of the teeth were graded as complexity Grade 3, 14.5% as Grade 2, and 72.6% as Grade 1. Modifying factors were present in 13.7% of the teeth, with the most prevalent modifying factor being endodontic re-treatment. There was no statistically significant association between number of roots of the teeth and complexity grade (P = 0.57). Conclusion: It is important to grade the complexity of teeth in order to predict the prognosis of treatment and decide whether it is within one's proficiency.