title: Introducing nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation in a public dental service: the long-term effect on root filling quality.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to study the long-term effect on root filling quality after the introduction of nickel titanium rotary instrumentation (NTRI) within a public dental health organization.
  
  
  METHODS
  After an education package, including hands-on training and/or lectures, the root filling quality was evaluated at the organizational level. All general dental practitioners (GDPs) employed at primary evaluation (n = 120) and after 4 years (n = 174) were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The improved root filling quality had been maintained 4 years later. The frequency of excellent root fillings was slightly higher at the long-term follow-up (52%) compared with the short-term follow-up (45%; P = .038). A nonsignificant decrease in very poor-quality root fillings was registered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A technology shift among GDPs to NTRI will increase the rate of good-quality root fillings. However, the shift per se will not eliminate the problem of substandard clinical performance.
authors: Department of Endodontology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden. lisbeth.dahlstrom@vgregion.se
authors: Lisbeth
authors: L
authors: Dahlström
authors: Anders
authors: A
authors: Molander
authors: Claes
authors: C
authors: Reit
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry*; D011636:Public Health Dentistry; D011859:Radiography; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000592:standards*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013548:Sweden; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium