Variables affecting endodontic recall

Abstract

To determine the recall rate in an endodontic practice and to evaluate specified variables as to their effect on the rate of patients returning for recall. The records of 7105 patients treated by one endodontist between 1975 and 1998 were reviewed. Recorded variables included chart number, patient gender and age, treated tooth number, pulp status, presence of spontaneous pain at initial visit, history of trauma to treated tooth, previous root canal treatment in the treated tooth, and presence of endodontic recall. The recall rate was 49% for the 5641 patients who completed endodontic treatment. Odds ratio analysis showed that females returned for recall at a rate that was significantly higher than males (52% vs. 44%). Odds ratio and chi square analysis revealed that a diagnosis of pulp necrosis or previous root filling resulted in a higher than expected recall rate while a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis resulted in a lower than expected recall rate (p < 0.001). Patients aged 6-40 years of age returned at a lower rate than expected and those aged 41-80 returned at a higher rate than expected (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in recall rate for patients reporting spontaneous pain or history of trauma with the treated tooth. The type of treated tooth had no effect on patient recall rate. Forty-nine per cent of patients returned for recall after a minimum of 6 months with patient age, patient gender and pulp status affecting the rate of recall significantly.