The aim of this study was radiographic evaluation of the quality of root canal treatment done by undergraduate students at King George’s Medical University Lucknow India.

 Total of 525 teeth were prepared by step back technique using K–files of 0.02 taper and filled with gutta–percha using a cold lateral condensation technique.

Periapical radiographs were used to assess the technical quality of the root canal filling, evaluating three variables: Length, Density and Taper. These data were recorded and used to study the “technical success rate”.  

Length of each root canal filling was classified as acceptable, non–acceptable and based on their relationship with radiographic apex. Density and taper of filling were evaluated based on the presence of voids and the uniform tapering of the filling, respectively.

Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the quality of root canal treatment, considering p < 0.05 as a statistical significant level. Overall, acceptability of root canal treatment in anterior and posterior teeth in maxillary and mandibular arch was found to be77.7%. The acceptability was significantly higher among anterior teeth (85.9%) compared with posterior teeth (72.1%). The acceptability was 1.19 times higher in anterior teeth than posterior teeth (p=0.0002). This study showed that the overall technical quality of root canal fillings done by non–specialists (under graduate students) was better than earlier reports.