Factors influencing the success of conventional root canal therapy—a five‐year retrospective study

Abstract

This retrospective study on the outcome of conventional root canal therapy was carried out on patients attending the Eastman Dental Hospital between 1970 and 1982. A minimum follow-up period of 5 years was required for patients to be included in the survey. The characteristics of the resulting sample group, the techniques for canal preparation and obturation and the obturating materials used were analysed. The type of obturating material used had no demonstrable effect on success rate but sex, age, preoperative vitality and periapical pathology were associated with significantly differing success rates. Technique also influenced success rate; the method of canal preparation and the position of the apical seal relative to the radiographic apex were both found to be significant. The overall success rate was 84.29%, representing 692 of 821 teeth included in the survey.

Radiographic evidence of postoperative healing 12 years following root canal treatment – a case report

“…There was an obvious, but small, decrease in the size of the lesion during the majority of the follow-up period and as previously reported provided there is a continuous decrease in the size of the lesion there is no need to judge a case a failure. 2 However, it may have been justifi ed in 1997, three years after obtu ration to consider the tooth for surgical treatment as a significant well defi ned radiolucency still remained. Using the PAI scoring system 7 the case presented remained PAI 4 for some time and prob ably did not become a PAI 3 (deemed successful treatment) until seven years after completion of treatment and there fore, under certain circumstances, could have been re-treated if such guidelines were followed closely.…”

“…2 In terms of radiographic success, if there is a reduction in the size of a pre-opera tive periapical radiolucency then it may be deemed a success in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. 11 It has been suggested that the absence of clini cal signs and symptoms irrespective of satisfactory radiographic features indi cate success, while others state there must also be evidence of complete boney repair.…”

“…6,7 The value of radiographs in the diagnosis of periapical disease is only realised once approximately 7% of mineral loss and loss of cortical plate has occurred. 2 The width of the periodontal ligament space and integrity of lamina dura are consid ered important parameters in register ing apical periodontitis. 7 Radiographs are used to deter mine whether healing has occurred or whether a diagnosis of post treatment disease is appropriate.…”

“…1 Following the thor ough shaping, cleaning and obturation of the complex canal anatomy, healing can be expected in approximately 84% of cases. 2 However, the post operative assessment of healing can be diffi cult and the diagnosis and management of persistent apical periodontitis is more variable among clinicians. 3 Often the decision to re-treat is based on a number of independent factors, some of which are subjective.…”

The failure rate of NHS funded molar endodontic treatment delivered in general dental practice

“…Two studies have reported out comes achieved by different services in the UK, for example Peak et al 5 in a study of endodontic care provided by Royal Air Force dentists reported that 88% of root fillings placed less than 2 mm from the apex had successful out comes, but overfilled teeth had a slightly lower success rate (75%) than underthose teeth which had been restored A research assistant visited all prac filled teeth (78%). Smith et al 6 in a by other means. tices and photocopied the clinical notes study of patients attending the Eastman Dental Hospital reported similar fi gures with 87% success rate for root fi llings placed less than 2 mm from the apex, 75% for those teeth root fi llings beyond the apex and 77% for those teeth with short root fillings.…”