title: Determining the optimal obturation length: a meta-analysis of literature.
abstract: The purpose was to aid in determining termination of instrumentation and obturation. A meta-analysis was conducted as to success/failure of different obturation lengths. Inclusion criteria were (a) minimum follow-up of 2 yr, (b) data on obturation length, (c) definition of success/failure, (d) available data on success/failure, (e) radiographic evaluation. Correlations were made as to success/failure as related to length of obturation from the apex. When comparing group A (obturated 0-1 mm from apex) versus group C (obturated past apex) using the DerSimonian and Laird estimates, group A showed a marginally better (p < 0.10) success rate than group C by 28.8%. Group A had better success than group B (obturated >1 mm short); the difference was insignificant. The results were similar after controlling for study quality using a single random effects regression model. In conclusion, the meta-analysis indicated that a better success rate is achieved when treatment includes obturation short of the apex.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endodontics, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. Parodocs@concentric.net
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Schaeffer
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Walton
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity; D018865:Dental Research / Q000592:standards; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; D006801:Humans; D009811:Odontometry; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000592:standards*; D019227:Tooth Apex