2023 Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 110-117
Access cavity preparation is a crucial step which can influence the clinical prognosis in the root canal treatment entirely. Iatrogenic events during this procedure occasionally cause the irreversible condition. Moreover, less experienced dentists tend to more induce these situations than the experienced. Our hypothesis is that recognition of orifice locations by the less experienced has specific biases and tendencies. In a current study, X and Y coordinates were determined by location of circle stickers and drawings on blank figures of an occlusal surface at the maxillary right first molar and second molar from dental residents (n=73) and general dentists (n=75). The recognition of orifice locations and access outlines was evaluated by difference between coordinates based on the central reference point in each group and typical access criteria. Our results showed a significant difference in orifice recognition between the resident group and the general dentist group. Moreover, because of this bias, a shape of the access outline was set excessively on the distal side in the resident group compared to the general dentist group. Therefore, less experienced dentists should consider that revision of their deviation, especially in the distal direction, which can contribute to higher probability of success.
