Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of basic root canal treatment (BRT) with tactile working length determination in terms of radiographic and clinical outcome parameters compared with endodontic treatment with standard radiographic working length control.
Methods: This was a clinical, multicenter, controlled, open-label trial to evaluate BRT effectiveness after 24 months. The primary end point was the apical extension score of the radiographic quality parameter of root canal fillings.
Objectives: Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) was a major step forward in community dentistry but treatment options for deep carious lesions or pulp involvement still focus on tooth extraction in under-served areas worldwide. To bridge the gap between ART and extraction this pilot study aimed to develop and follow-up a basic root canal treatment for rural dental health facilities in the Republic of The Gambia (West Africa), faced with an environment lacking technical equipment and developing primary oral health care.
Methods: 25 single rooted teeth with acute irreversible pulpitis were root canal treated with a standardised endodontic instrument kit and a specific procedure.