Comparison of procedural errors resulting during root canal preparations completed by junior dental students in patients using an '8-step method' versus 'serial step-back technique.'.
OBJECTIVE
To compare procedural errors occurring during preparation of root canals by junior dental students in patients using a new '8-step method' versus traditional 'serial step-back technique.


METHODS
Junior dental students treated 291 root canals of maxillary and mandibular teeth in patients. A new '8-step method' was used to prepare 149 canals, whilst the traditional 'serial step-back technique' was used for 142 root canals. Instrumentation was carried out in both techniques using standardized stainless steel K-files and coronal flaring with Gates-Glidden reamers. In the apical one-third, a filing motion was used in the traditional technique: with the '8-step method,' reaming or filing motions were used in sizes up to 25 and only reaming in sizes larger than 25. All root canals were obturated with gutta-percha points and AH26 using a lateral condensation technique. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were made of each tooth. Procedural errors were recorded and statistically analysed using a binomic test for comparison of proportion.


RESULTS
Significantly (P < (1.0001) more root canals maintained their original shape with no deviation (91%) with the'8-step method' compared to the traditional 'serial step-back technique' (61%). The procedural errors detected with the'8-step method' consisted of 10 canals with transportation (5%) and five with root perforations (2%); there were no canal obstructions. With the 'serial step-back technique: significantly (P < 0.0001) more errors occurred: 28 canals were transported (17%), 10 had root perforations (7%), and 16 canals were obstructed (6%). The differences in maintaining the original root canal shape between the two methods were significantly greater in molar versus anterior teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The new '8-step method' resulted in fewer procedural errors than the traditional 'serial step-back technique' when junior students prepared root canals in patients.
Kfir
A
A
Department of Endodontology, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Rosenberg
E
E
Zuckerman
O
O
Tamse
A
A
Fuss
Z
Z
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000293:injuries*; D004497:Education, Dental; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013335:Students, Dental