Summary

The prognosis for root canal treatments is considered good, but this is based on results from specialist clinics and universities. Cross-sectional studies of the general population, however, suggest that outcomes are not as good as one might expect. Nearly half of all root-filled teeth have an infection. Such infections can develop for years without symptoms, but can also lead to issues such as toothache, tooth loss, and sometimes more serious systemic conditions.

The thesis "Effect of a structured and concerted approach to improve endodontic diagnostics and treatment in public dental clinics" examined root canal treatments within the public dental health service in Møre og Romsdal.
The dentists completed an extensive continuing education course aimed at improving their knowledge and treatment outcomes. They answered a questionnaire before and after the course to identify changes in knowledge and routines. In addition, teeth that had received root canal treatments after the course were identified and compared with root canal treatments performed by the same dentists before the course.

A quarter of the root-filled teeth showed signs of infection visible on X-rays one year after treatment, and among the teeth that had an infection before treatment began, half still had an infection. The course did not improve the dentists' knowledge or the results of the root canal treatments they performed. The study highlights that continuing education for dentists can be challenging.