Results of apicoectomy of maxillary canines, premolars and molars with special reference to oroantral communication as a prognostic factor

Abstract

A total of 276 patients with 314 apicoectomized canines, premolars and molars from the maxilla were reviewed. Oroantral communication (OAC) was noted in 41 (13 %) of the cases. All patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically. The results of the operation proved successful in 54 %, uncertain in 25 % and unsuccessful in 21 %. No difference was found between the results in the OAC group and the rest of the material. The best results were noted for the canines, while the frequency of success was lowest for the first premolars. Such factors as retrograde root filling, the quality of the orthograde root filling, preoperative root resorption and the extent of periapical destruction had no demonstrable effect on the later course. In the group where the periapical lesion was a radicular cyst, the frequency of success was 25 % higher. In four of 26 cases the tomograms showed no bony partition between the apical region and the maxillary sinus. In three of these cases the result was regarded as successful on the basis of conventional radiographs.