Introduction: Root canal treatment (RCT) and its coronal restoration should be regularly assessed to ensure a successful treatment outcome. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between the obturation technical quality and coronal restoration in the clinical and radiographic outcome of RCT provided by Malaysian undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: A total of 143 root-treated teeth from 136 patients were evaluated through clinical examinations and periapical radiographs with a mean follow-up period of 2.4 (standard deviation = 1.59) years. The quality of the coronal restoration was classified according to modified United States Public Health Service criteria and the technical quality of the obturation was assessed based on two variables: length and density. Periapical status was evaluated according to periapical index scores. Results: About 64% of the teeth were classified as healthy with a significant reduction of apical periodontitis from 70.3% preoperatively to 36% at reassessment (P < 0.001). About 92.1% of obturation was of acceptable length, whereas 5% underfilled and 2.9% overfilled. Teeth with acceptable obturation length were five times less likely associated with apical periodontitis than the inadequately filled ones. 90% of canals had adequate obturation density with no significant association to apical periodontitis. Teeth restored with intracoronal restorations had 50% more chance of developing apical periodontitis. Inadequately restored teeth and teeth with poor obturation quality were associated with three times more likely apical periodontitis occurrence. The quality of endodontic treatment and the coronal restoration significantly influenced the periapical status (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The radiographic obturation quality and coronal restorations of the RCTs performed by the undergraduate students in a Malaysian public dental school were acceptable in 63.8% of cases with a 64% favorable outcome.

Introduction: Tooth restoration is a common, routine procedure among dentists but still has its own difficulties especially for posterior teeth. As it is a straightforward procedure, some dentists are not aware of the difficulties that may contribute in reducing the longevity of the filling. The aim of the study is to determine the difficulties encountered during and after placement of restorative materials in deep cavities. Materials and methods: Standardized questionnaires were divided randomly among general private dental practitioners in Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square test was used to determine any significant factors associated with difficulties of material placement. Results: This study showed that the most frequent difficulties encountered among practitioners were to obtain good moisture control (39.0%). No significant association was found between obtaining good moisture control and year of clinical experience (p= 0.286) and also place of graduation with the manipulation of the materials (p= 0.542). Conclusion: Dental practitioners claimed that it was difficult to obtain good moisture control in placement of posterior restoration. Thus, it is an obligation of dental practitioners to practice proper isolation and good manipulation of materials on posterior restoration.

Effective infection control is very crucial. The objective of this research is to determine the level of bacterial countin water from dental chair unit output at the Dental Clinic Faculty of Dentistry, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia. Five dental chair units of treatment rooms were selected. A total of 31 water samples collected from three-way syringe and cup filler water. Positive control was taken from aquarium and distilled water was used as negative control. The nutrient agar was prepared and the samples were cultured immediately in the laboratory. The samples were incubated for 24 hours in 37?C before observation and the total bacteria counting done. Direct counting method was done in three times by calculating all colonies formed unit in 1 millilitre. The total bacteria count was550 cfu/ml in aquarium, 0 cfu/ml in distilled, (3.40±0.245) cfu/ml in three way syringe and (3.75±0.25) cful/ml in cup filler water. All samples from five dental units showed less than 200 cfu/ml of total bacteria count and meet the American Dental Association recommendation. The Gram staining showed that the colonies of bacteria taken from the samples mostly gram negative bacteria. For conclusion, the filter system and anti-retraction valve used in these five dental units is effective but this system must be timely monitor.

Effective infection control is very crucial. The objective of this research is to determine the level of bacterial countin water from dental chair unit output at the Dental Clinic Faculty of Dentistry, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia. Five dental chair units of treatment rooms were selected. A total of 31 water samples collected from three-way syringe and cup filler water. Positive control was taken from aquarium and distilled water was used as negative control. The nutrient agar was prepared and the samples were cultured immediately in the laboratory. The samples were incubated for 24 hours in 37˚C before observation and the total bacteria counting done. Direct counting method was done in three times by calculating all colonies formed unit in 1 millilitre. The total bacteria count was550 cfu/ml in aquarium, 0 cfu/ml in distilled, (3.40±0.245) cfu/ml in three way syringe and (3.75±0.25) cful/ml in cup filler water. All samples from five dental units showed less than 200 cfu/ml of total bacteria count and meet the American Dental Association recommendation. The Gram staining showed that the colonies of bacteria taken from the samples mostly gram negative bacteria. For conclusion, the filter system and anti-retraction valve used in these five dental units is effective but this system must be timely monitor