Need For Endodontic Treatment Research Articles

Autotransplantation of premolars: does surgeon experience matter?

Autotransplantation of premolars is a well-established method to rehabilitate aplasia of premolars. Nevertheless, with the introduction of titanium implants, not all surgical units offer this procedure. The aim of this study was to examine the predictability of autotransplantation of premolars on orthodontic indication as suggested by Andreasen et al., when performed by surgeons with or without prior experience of this procedure. A prospective protocol was implemented in 2001. All patients treated with autotransplantation of premolars during the years 2001–2015 were recalled to evaluate the long-term status of the teeth. The state of root development, need for endodontic treatment, presence of an apical pathology or ankylosis, and tooth loss were recorded. The results were divided into two groups according to the surgeon’s experience: senior surgeons with prior training and experience in the procedure and junior surgeons without prior experience. A total of 89 teeth (66 patients) were treated. The mean observation time was 10.1 years (range 1.0–15.1 years). The long-term survival rate was 95%. No statistically significant difference between the results of the two groups of surgeons was found. Autotransplantation of premolars on orthodontic indication could be adopted successfully in the hospital setting regardless of surgeon experience.

Changes in periapical status, quality of root fillings and estimated endodontic treatment need in a similar urban German population 20years later.

The study aimed at assessing, as primary objective, the periapical status and quality of root fillings, and, as secondary objective, the endodontic treatment need of a German urban population in a cross-sectional study 20years after the first one. Clinical and radiographic data of 353 patients were evaluated. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed and the endodontic treatment need was calculated. Results were compared with data from the year 1993. A total of 9269 teeth were examined (26.2 teeth per patient; 1993, 24.4), of which 337 teeth were root filled (3.6%; 1993, 2.7%). Prevalence of apical periodontitis in root-filled teeth was 34% (1993, 61%). Quality of root fillings was adequate in 117 cases (35%; 1993, 14%). Minimum endodontic treatment need was estimated with 1.6% (1993, 2.3%), including teeth with clinical symptoms. Considering symptomless teeth with apical periodontitis and poor quality of root filling, the treatment need was 2.9% (1993, 3.7%). Regression analysis identified quality of root filling as a significant factor for periapical health (p = 0.01, odds ratio 3.4×, 95% CI 1.9-6.3×), likewise the type of instrumentation. Teeth treated with rotary files had a significantly better outcome (p = 0.02, odds ratio 2.0×, 95% CI 1.1-3.7×). Quality of root fillings and the periapical status have improved over the last 20years in Germany. However, there is still a need for an increase in quality of root canal treatment.

Epidemiological analysis and need for endodontic treatment among the indigenous Sateré-Mawé and Tikuna.

The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of oral health of Sateré-Mawé indigenous people living in Barreirinha, Amazonas (AM), Brazil, and the Tikuna indigenous people living in the urban area of Manaus (AM), in addition to characterizing the need for endodontic treatment between the two ethnic groups. A total of 138 individuals participated in the study, of whom 98 were Tikuna and 40 were Sateré-Mawé; they were distributed in age groups ranging from seven to 75 years. A very high prevalence of caries was observed in both ethnic groups. For the Sateré-Mawé in the 7-12 age group, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index presented a mean value of 3.17. Comparing the DMFT index and the need for endodontic treatment in each of the ethnicities, these variables were found to be correlated, because as the DMFT index increases, the chances of needing endodontic treatment increase. The Sateré-Mawé presented a higher prevalence of need for endodontic treatment compared to the Tikuna. The association of comorbidities and the need for endodontic treatment were demonstrated only in the Tikuna, and there was only a correlation of this necessity with the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in one case. The need to expand access to oral health in these communities is emphasized, taking into account geographical access and technological, environmental, linguistic, and cultural barriers.

NECESIDAD DE TRATAMIENTO ENDODÓNCICO Y PREVALENCIA DE CARIES EN ESCOLARES DE 12 AÑOS EN LA PARROQUIA YANUNCAY CUENCA-ECUADOR 2016

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de necesidad de tratamiento endodóncico y la prevalencia de caries en escolares de 12 años en la Parroquia Yanuncay de la ciudad de Cuenca – Ecuador 2016. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de evaluación clínica bucal en 130 escolares de 12 años en la Parroquia Yanuncay de la ciudad de Cuenca – Ecuador 2016, esta muestra se calculó mediante fórmula en base a una población de 1398 escolares, se incluyeron pacientes con dentición permanente, fueron excluidos los que presentaron enfermedades sistémicas y malformaciones bucales, se utilizaron los criterios del índice de Pulpitis, Ulceras, Fístulas y Abscesos (P.U.F.A) para la necesidad de tratamiento endodóncico y los criterios epidemiológicos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la prevalencia de caries.Los observadores fueron calibrados por un especialista, los padres firmaron el consentimiento y los escolares dieron el asentimiento informado. Todos los exámenes bucales fueron desarrollados con luz natural y espejo bucal, previo a la hora de su refrigerio. RESULTADOS: La muestra presentó 50% de escolares de cada sexo; 7% del total de la muestra presentaron necesidad de tratamientoendodóncico,principalmenteporpulpitis;asímismodeltotaldeescolaresel5%requieretratamientoenunasola pieza dental y el 95% en 2 o más piezas dentales. El 39% de la muestra presentó caries. No existe diferencia significativa en la frecuencia de necesidad de tratamiento endodóncico ni en la prevalencia de caries entre ambos sexos (X2 p>0.05)

Maxillary Interdental Osteotomies Have Low Morbidity for Alveolar Crestal Bone and Adjacent Teeth: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Study

Maxillary segmentation involving interdental osteotomies can have an adverse effect on the interdental crestal bone and adjacent teeth. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of interdental osteotomies on surrounding osseous and dental structures, including adjacent teeth, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in patients who underwent segmental maxillary osteotomies. The present retrospective cohort study evaluated interdental osteotomy (IDO) sites between the lateral incisors and canines in patients treated with 3-piece Le Fort I osteotomies. CBCT scans were assessed using Kodac Dental Imaging software at specific intervals: T0 (before surgery), T1 (immediately after surgery), and T2 (a minimum of 11months after surgery). The statistical analysis using a linear regression model was adjusted to compare the variables at the different intervals. Injury to the dental structures was assessed by radiological evidence of dental damage, the requirement for endodontic treatment, or tooth loss. We evaluated 94 IDO sites in 47 patients in the present study. The mean inter-radicular distance at T0 was 2.5mm. A statistically significant increase was seen in the inter-radicular distance (between T1 and T0) of 0.72mm, with a reduction of the alveolar bone crest height (between T2 and T0) of 0.19mm(P<.001) for the group that underwent IDO. A weak correlation was found for this increase in the inter-radicular distance, with changes in the alveolar crest bone height. The potential complications associated with interdental osteotomies such as iatrogenic damage to the tooth structure, the need for endodontic treatment, and tooth loss were not encountered in any patients. We found very low morbidity for the interdental alveolar crest and the integrity of teeth adjacent to interdental osteotomies for patients who underwent maxillary segmentation between the lateral incisors and canines.

Secondary care in oral health in small municipalities: a cross-sectional evaluation of demand x access

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the demand and access to specialized procedures in Oral Health in 10 municipalities in the region of Guanhães, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which do not have a Dental Specialty Center. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 dental surgeons of the Primary Care system. These dentists recorded all the patients who were treated from July to November 2016, and who were shown to be in need of being assigned to specialized procedures in oral health. The descriptive analysis was developed in the software SPSS for Windows version 18.0. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (ruling 1.615.701). Results: 1085 patients assigned for specialized procedures in Oral Health were evaluated. The majority of these patients were women (56.6%), within an age-range from 13-34 years (51.9%). Among the specialties evaluated, 61% of the patients presented the need for endodontic treatment, with the most compromised tooth being the first permanent molar (33.2%). The outcomes were recorded for 435 (40.1%) patients. Among these, 19.8% of the procedures were performed in the health unit itself and in 45.5% extractions were performed. Conclusion: Limited access to specialized Oral Health procedures was verified. To enable the Oral Health National Policy to consider the specificities of such regions, it is suggested that the scope of action of the oral health teams in primary care is expanded, or that less expensive specialized services are created, so that the access to this level of oral health is assured to all referred patients.

Identification of the Most Appropriate Site for the Cold Test in Molar Teeth

A test frequently used to complement endodontic diagnoses is the cold test; however, in the last 20 years, authors have reported incorrect results within pulp sensitivity tests. Specifically, a high frequency of false results in posterior teeth, were found. The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate site for the cold test in molar teeth with a need for endodontic treatment, calculating predictive values, accuracy and reproducibility. A cross-sectional study was performed, evaluating 390 subjects. A total of 152 subjects of both genders from the ages of 15-65 years old participated. The ideal standard was established by direct pulp inspection, and the cold test agent used was 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. The patients were divided into four groups in relation to the molar tooth: (1) mandibular first molar, (2) mandibular second molar, (3) maxillary first molar, and (4) maxillary second molar. 169 teeth and 676 sites were studied. (a) The most appropriate sites for cold test were the middle third of the buccal surface and cervical third of the buccal surface in the mandibular molars with the following results: Middle third of the first molar: Accuracy 0.93, positive predictive value 0.90 and negative predictive value 0.96. Middle third of the second molar: Accuracy 0.93, positive predictive value 1.00 and negative predictive value 0.90. In relation to third cervical the results were: First molar: Accuracy 0.93, positive predictive value 0.89 and negative predictive value 0.97 y second molar: Accuracy 0.93, positive predictive value 1.00 and negative predictive value 0.90. (b) The highest reproducibility was observed in the middle third of the buccal surface with cervical third of the buccal surface in the mandibular second molar (1.00). The most appropriate site and reproducibility of the sites are auxiliary to complement endodontic diagnose with the cold test.

The need for endodontic treatment and systemic characteristics of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the epidemiological and clinical profiles of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the need for endodontic treatment. The subjects included 188 individuals enrolled in the dental care program for transplanted patients of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, FO-UFMG) from March 2011 through March 2016. The patients were subjected to an HSCT conditioning dental regimen based on a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. Intraoral periapical and bite-wing X-rays were obtained, and after evaluation, specific dental treatment was planned and performed. The following demographic and clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records: age, gender, transplantation stage, primary disease, transplant type, medication used, complete blood count at the time of visit, and need for endodontic treatment. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the chi-square tests were used. Leukemia (31.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.9%) were the most prevalent primary diseases. Most patients were subjected to allogeneic-related transplantation (83.6%). Most patients exhibited platelet counts and hemoglobin concentrations below the reference values in the pre-transplantation stage, while the neutrophil and platelet counts and the hemoglobin levels were within the reference ranges in the post-transplantation stage. The proportions of individuals requiring endodontic treatment were similar between the pre- and post-transplantation groups: 24.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The systemic conditions of the patients referred for dental treatment were compromised.

Analysis of Endodontic Complications Following Fixed Prosthodontic Rehabilitation.

The aim of this study was to determine endodontic treatment needs and types of endodontic disease following fixed prosthodontic treatment 24 hours after tooth preparation, 1 week after tooth preparation, 1 month after placement, and 6 months after placement. Study groups consisted of patients who attended a university dental hospital department of prosthodontics for fixed prosthodontic treatment from January 2011 to December 2013. All teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated according to American Association of Endodontists evaluation criteria before preparation. Metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures were placed for all patients. A total of 1,633 abutment teeth were prepared with 1,100 pontics in 524 patients (214 female and 310 male). Participant age, sex, and tooth number were recorded. Endodontic treatment follow-up was scheduled for 24 hours after tooth preparation, 1 week after preparation, 1 month after placement, and 6 months after placement, and all teeth were evaluated after placement of FPDs according to a modified criteria. 2,733 retainers were placed with 624 FPDs. Of the FPDs, 332 (53%) were placed in the posterior and 196 (31.5%) in the anterior region. The remaining 96 FPDs (15.5%) were placed anteroposterior. The abutment/pontic ratio was 1.44:1. The number of retainers per FPD was 4.37. Of 1,633 abutment teeth, 103 were endodontically treated after placement of FPDs. Most observed endodontic disease was symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. There were statistically significant differences in terms of teeth regions (P < .001). When follow-up times of 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months were evaluated, there was no statistically significant difference among all teeth groups (P > .05). A total of 2,733 retainers on 624 FPDs were evaluated over 6 months, and the mean endodontic treatment need ratio was 6.3%.

Sickle cell anemia in Brazil: personal, medical and endodontic patterns

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most prevalent genetic disease worldwide. Recurrent vaso-occlusive infarcts predispose SCA patients to infections, which are the primary causes of morbidly and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SCA and endodontic diseases. Personal information, medical data (hematological indices, virologic testing, blood transfusions, medications received, splenectomy) and information on the need for endodontic treatment were obtained from SCA patients who were registered and followed up by the Fundação Hemominas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.These data were compared with the need for root canal treatment in SCA patients. One hundred eight patients comprised the studied population, and the rate of the need for endodontic therapy was 10.2%. Among the medical data, a significant difference was observed for eosinophil (p = 0.045) counts and atypical lymphocyte counts (p = 0.036) when the groups (with and without the need for endodontic treatment) were compared. Statistical relevance was observed when comparing the patients with and without the need for root canal therapy concerned eosinophil counts and atypical lymphocyte counts. The differences in statistical medical data, observed between the groups suggest that both parameters are naturally connected to the stimulation of the immune system that can occur in the presence of root canal infections and that can be harmful to SCA individuals.

Pulp necrosis of teeth retained at the mandibular fracture site and the effect of dexamethasone on its occurrence.

The main purpose was to determine the occurrence of pulp necrosis (PN) of teeth retained at the mandibular fracture site. An additional purpose was to investigate whether perioperative use of dexamethasone increases the risk of PN. A follow-up study on 24 adult dentate patients with mandibular body, symphysis or parasymphysis fracture. These patients had been selected from a larger cohort who had participated in a randomized study of maxillofacial fractures and dexamethasone. All patients who were suspected of having a need for endodontic treatment were evaluated by an endodontist. PN was diagnosed in six patients (25.0%) in one or two teeth. Of a total of 33 teeth situated in the fracture line, six (18.2%) were diagnosed as having PN. PN was more common in teeth in which the fracture line ran through the apex (21.7%) than in those in which the fracture line was in contact with the tooth cranially to the apex (10.0%). The association between PN and dexamethasone was not significant. PN is common after mandibular fractures, particularly when the fracture line runs through the apex of the tooth. Use of short-term, high-dose dexamethasone perioperatively did not significantly increase the risk for PN.

Adaptação de coroa metálica pré-fabricada em dente canino de onça-parda (Puma concolor) – relato de caso

One of the most common dental problems on carnivores is tooth fracture, with or without pulp exposure. Among the established reconstructions, the metal restoration returns form and function while preventing new fractures. Different alloys are used for metallic crowns: either noble metal-based alloys containing gold or basic alloys such as cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium, molybdenum and copper-aluminum. A rescued cougar (Puma concolor) kept in captivity had a dental fracture with pulp exposure in the lower left canine. Dental evaluation indicated the need for endodontic treatment. There was the opportunity to adapt an available prosthetic crown during treatment. The tooth was prepared for its insertion, which was successful. The aim of this article is to describe the technique used in the adaptation of a preexisting prosthetic crown to this case, in order to contribute to studies of veterinary dentistry and wildlife conservation.

Estudo epidemiológico das fraturas coronárias em pacientes atendidos em um projeto de trauma dental em um período de 6 anos

The aim of the present study was to conduct an epidemiological survey on coronal fracture cases in patients treated at the Dental Trauma Project at Unigranrio School of Dentistry, from 2005 to 2011. This study was based on data collected from records and information related to gender, age, fracture cause, prompt service, elapsed time from the accident, affected teeth, clinical condition of the teeth and the need of endodontic treatment. It was observed a higher incidence in male patients, with the most affected age between 6 to 10 years. The results show the etiological, clinical and demographic distribution of coronal fractures in a project of dental trauma in Duque de Caxias city.

Influence of 2 Cryopreservation Methods to Induce CCL-13 from Dental Pulp Cells

IntroductionCryopreservation preserves periodontal ligament cells but has a lower success rate with dental pulp cells (DPCs) because it causes inflammation. There are 2 well-known cryopreservation methods that reduce inflammation, slow freezing and rapid freezing, but the effects of the 2 methods on inflammation are not well-established. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the 2 different cryopreservation methods on CCL-13 induction from DPCs by using microarrays, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). MethodsIn this study, the concentration of cryoprotectant was fixed, and the methods compared differed with respect to freezing speed. Initially we screened the DPCs of cryopreserved teeth with expression microarrays, and CCL-13 was identified as a differentially expressed gene involved in generalized inflammation. We then compared the expression of CCL-13 after exposing teeth to the 2 cryopreservation methods by using real-time PCR, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and CLSM. ResultsExpression of CCL-13 was up-regulated significantly only in the rapid freezing group, except in measurements made by real-time PCR. CLSM analysis also confirmed this up-regulation visually. ConclusionsRapid freezing increased the expression of CCL-13 in DPCs compared with slow freezing. Understanding the inflammatory effect of cryopreservation should help to establish an optimal cryoprofile to minimize inflammation of DPCs and reduce the need for endodontic treatment.

Pseudarthrose septique mandibulaire et traitement endodontique

Septic pseudarthrosis of the mandible is an uncommon complication with several etiologies. The presence of a tooth next to a fracture site is one of the etiological factors. Conservative management of a tooth in or near the mandibular fracture site is often the issue when treating fracture of a toothed part.A 49 year-old male patient was hospitalized in our department for a bifocal fracture of the mandible (right parasymphysis and left sub-condylar). An open reduction internal fixation with plates and screws was performed. The immediate postoperative period was uneventful except for persistent tooth pain in the parasymphyseal fracture site. At 1 postoperative month, the fracture site was stable and signs of consolidation were documented by the panoramic view. A dentist performed root canal treatment on tooth 42, 8 weeks after surgery, because of recurrent complaint by the patient. At 6 months, clinical and radiological examinations revealed mandibular pseudarthrosis.This type of pseudarthrosis case is relatively infrequent. It occurs after endodontic treatment of a healthy tooth close to the fracture site (performed after the physiological delay before bone healing). The bacterial colonization of the fracture site could be related to this endodontic treatment. This case raises questions on the need for endodontic treatment of a tooth near a mandibular fracture site.

A 5-year retrospective study of survival of zirconia single crowns fitted in a private clinical setting

ObjectivesThe aim of this report was to evaluate the 5-year clinical performance and survival of zirconia (NobelProcera™) single crowns. MethodsAll patients treated with porcelain-veneered zirconia single crowns in a private practice during the period October 2004 to November 2005 were included. The records were scrutinized for clinical data. Information was available for 162 patients and 205 crowns. ResultsMost crowns (78%) were placed on premolars and molars. Out of the 143 crowns that were followed for 5 years, 126 (88%) did not have any complications. Of those with complications, the most common were: extraction of abutment tooth (7; 3%), loss of retention (15; 7%), need of endodontic treatment (9; 4%) and porcelain veneer fracture (6; 3%). No zirconia cores fractured. In total 19 restorations (9%) were recorded as failures: abutment tooth extraction (7), remake of crown due to lost retention (6), veneer fracture (4), persistent pain (1) and caries (1). The 5-year cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 88.8%. ConclusionsAccording to the present 5-year results zirconia crowns (NobelProcera™) are a promising prosthodontic alternative also in the premolar and molar regions. Out of the 143 crowns followed for 5 years, 126 (88%) did not have any complications. However, 9% of the restorations were judged as failures. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term success.

Periapical and endodontic status of permanent teeth in patients with hypophosphatemic rickets

Hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is a rare hereditary disease in which dental problems in terms of spontaneous periapical infections are frequently reported. Most previous reports have been based on a small number of HR patients and have been published before the disease could be confirmed genetically. The aim of the present study was to describe the periapical and endodontic status of permanent teeth in patients with genetically and/or biochemically confirmed HR. The patients were recruited from a medical study on HR patients. The patients underwent a dental examination including a digital panoramic radiograph, which was scored for endodontically affected teeth (i.e. teeth with periapical radiolucencies and/or endodontically treated teeth). A total of 52 patients (age range: 5·7-74·5 years; 17 males and 35 females) were included. HR patients were characterised by a high number of endodontically affected teeth (mean: 4·2; s.d.: 5·0). The number of affected teeth rose significantly with age (P < 0·01), and no statistically significant gender difference was found. The relative distribution of endodontically affected teeth in the three tooth groups (incisors and canines, premolars, and molars) varied according to age. In the youngest age group, only incisors and canines were affected, while the relative proportion of affected premolars and molars increased with age. Endodontically affected teeth are common in HR patients, and the number of affected teeth increased significantly with age. Hence, the need for endodontic treatment among HR patients is comprehensive.

Microbiologic endodontic status of young traumatized tooth

Traumatic dental injuries could expose the dentin and, even the pulp, to the oral environment, making possible their contamination. The presence of microorganisms causes pulpal disease and further a tecidual clutter in the periradicular region. The therapy of periradicular pathosis is the consequence of a correct diagnoses which depends on the knowledge of the nature and complexity of endodontic infections. As there is no information on the microbiology of primary endodontic infection in young teeth, the aim of the current study was to investigate the microbiologic status of root canals from permanent young teeth with primary endodontic infection. Twelve patients with the need for endodontic treatment participated in the study. The selected teeth were uniradicular and had an incomplete root formation. They had untreated necrotic pulp. After the access preparation, nineteen microbiologic samples were obtained from the root canals with sterile paper points. Afterwards, the paper points were pooled in a sterile tube containing 2 ml of prereduced transport fluid. The samples were diluted and spread onto plates with selective medium for Enterococcus spp. and for yeast species and onto plates with non-selective medium. A quantitative analysis was performed. The mean number of cultivable bacterial cells in the root canals was 5.7 × 10(6). In four samples (21.05%) black pigmented species were recovered and the mean number of cells was 6.5 × 10(5). One specimen (5.25%) showed the growth of Enterococcus species and the mean number of cells in this case was of 1.5 × 10(4) . The results showed a root canal microbiota with similar design as seen in completely formed teeth.

Intracanal dressing and root canal filling materials in tooth replantation: a literature review

The prognosis of tooth replantation is usually related to the need of endodontic treatment, which has a direct relationship with the occurrence of root resorptions. Several studies have been undertaken in an attempt to prevent, delay, or treat these complications, which are the main causes of loss of replanted teeth. This literature review examines research evidence on intracanal dressings and root canal filling materials used in cases of tooth replantation. A comprehensive search was performed in the Medline/Pubmed, Bireme and Scielo full-text electronic journal databases to retrieve English-language articles referring to these topics that had been published between 1964 and 2010. Calcium hydroxide (CH) remains the usually recommended choice as an intracanal medicament in replanted teeth; however, there is evidence to support the initial use of a corticosteroid-antibiotic combination such as Ledermix paste to control potential early resorption, prior to the introduction of CH where the beneficial effect in the treatment of progressive root resorption has been well proven. Regarding root filling materials, CH-containing sealers are a good option because of their biological properties. Accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment plan may constitute very complex tasks, particularly in tooth avulsion because several variables are involved. In addition to the technical knowledge and clinical experience directed toward the quality of treatment, patient education may favorably influence the survival of replanted teeth.

Long-Term Prognosis of Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Retrospective Analysis of Preoperative Factors in Molars

Introduction Long-term predictability of restored endodontically treated teeth is important for the decision of tooth retention versus extraction and implant placement. The purpose of this study was to validate the hypothesis that preoperative factors can predict the long-term prognosis of molars requiring endodontic and restorative treatment for future prognostic investigations. Methods A clinical database was searched for molar endodontic treatments with crown placement and a minimum of 4-year follow-up. Charts of 42 patients with 50 individual treatments were randomly selected. Information concerning crown lengthening; periodontal diagnosis; attachment loss; furcation involvement; mobility; and internal, external, or periradicular resorption was recorded. Radiographs from treatment initiation and follow-up were digitalized. The presence of apical periodontitis was evaluated. Available ferrule was calculated from bitewing radiographs using CAD software (AutoCAD; Autodesk, Cupertino, CA). The resulting data, age, sex, and times of restoration and follow-up were analyzed for correlation with the presence of apical radiolucency at follow-up and the following four possible outcome scenarios: “no event,” “nonsurgical retreatment,” “surgical retreatment,” or “extraction” using Spearman rank order correlation analysis. Results Patients’ ages ranged from 19 to 87 years, 22 were male and 20 female, and 48 teeth (96.0%) were retained at follow-up. Of those, 44 (88.0%) were without intervention (“no event”), and four (8.0%) underwent surgical or nonsurgical retreatment. Two teeth (4.0%) had been extracted. Significant positive correlations existed between “untoward events” (any form of retreatment or extraction) and “prognostic value according to periodontal status” ( p = 0.047) and “attachment loss” ( p = 0.042). Conclusion The only preoperative factors significant for the prognosis of restored endodontically treated molars were related to periodontal prognostic value and attachment loss. It can be concluded that it may be difficult to predict the prognosis of molars in need for endodontic treatment and restoration from prognostic factors not related to periodontal disease.