Relación entre el ápice radiográfico y la constricción apical en dientes anteriores.

Abstract

Introduction: The apical constriction is considered the ideal location for canal preparation and root canal filling. Lack of knowledge about the precise position of the apical constriction and related structures can lead the dentist to make errors during endodontic therapy, such as over or under instrumentation of the root canal, which can result in treatment failure affecting the patient’s oral health. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between radiographic apex and apical constriction in anterior teeth in patients treated at the dental clinic of the Catholic University of Santiago e Guayaquil. Materials and Methods: Observational-descriptive cross-sectional study. Digital periapical radiographs of anterior teeth were visually evaluated. Results were recorded on a data collection form. Results: Fifty digital periapical radiographs were visually evaluated. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the position of the apical constriction and the position of the radiographic apex in anterior teeth (-0.904**, p = 0.000). Conclusions: A significant relationship between the apical constriction and the radiographic apex could be determined. A great variability in the position of the apical constriction was observed among the analyzed dental pieces.