Assessment of treatment failure in endodontic therapy

Abstract

There is a paucity of guidelines for the dental profession to assess failure of endodontic therapy. While a successful treatment can be well defined by the absence of apical periodontitis and clinical symptoms after a period of observation, failed treatment has escaped a distinct standing over the years. This article highlights aspects of significance and concludes that research ought to better explore the general health properties of persistent apical periodontitis on root-filled teeth and finally confirm the extent there is an association between apical periodontitis and adverse systemic health effects. Clearing this condition will determine whether clinicians should take a serious or relaxed attitude to persistent apical periodontitis subsequent to endodontic treatment.

Keywords: cone-beam computed tomography; infection; persistent apical periodontitis; root canal; root canal treatment; systemic health effects.