Date of Award
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Bhagavatula, Pradeep
Second Advisor
Ibrahim, Mohamed
Third Advisor
Preston, Jay
Abstract
Objective:if the provider type influences long-term outcomes in instances where NSRCT has been previously initiated. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the period of time between previously initiated therapy and the completion of non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) influences long-term outcomes. The secondary purpose of this study was to determineMaterials/Methods: Enrollment and claims data from Delta Dental of Wisconsin from2002-2014 was analyzed. Teeth that received NSRCT within 6 months after completionof pulpal debridement or pulpotomy procedures (identified by Codes of DentalProcedures and Nomenclature) and within a continuous insurance coverage period wereincluded. Teeth that did not receive definitive restorations within 180 days followingcompletion of NSRCT were excluded. Teeth were followed from the time of treatment tothe presence of a CDT code representing untoward events, which include retreatment,apicoectomy, or extraction. The impact of tooth location, age at time of NSRCTcompletion, and provider type on the outcome was also examined using Univariate andMultivariable Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 7,488 NSRCTs were includedin the analysis. Results:. Molar teeth were associated with a greater risk of an untoward event than anterior teeth with an adjusted hazard ratio of1.52 (p<0.029). An increase in the risk of failure was observed in teeth from patients that were 55 and older with an adjusted hazard ratio 2.15 (p<0.001). A significantly lower adjusted hazard ratio of 0.68 (p<0.001) was observed when treatment was initiated by a general dentist and completed by an endodontist when compared to treatment that was both initiated and completed by a general dentist.Conclusion: Delayed completion of NSRCT after previously initiated therapy was not associated with unfavorable outcomes.No statistically significant difference was found among the varying time intervals between initiation and completion of NSRCT Improved outcomes were noted when previously.