Variations in outcome of endodontic surgery

Abstract

Significant advances in the field of surgical endodontics have resulted in more predictable outcomes. A thorough understanding of the etiology of posttreatment endodontic disease will serve as a basis for better surgical treatment. Technically, EMS allows surgeons to have better opportunities to identify and eliminatethe etiologies as compared to TES. In this chapter, the variations in outcomes between EMS and TES observed inthe literature were identified by contrasting the differences in surgical techniques. A striking differenceinsuccess rates between the two surgical treatment modalities exists, and it is explained by the different techniques employed in achieving disinfection and attaining an adequate apical seal. Finally, the results of various outcome studies should be carefully interpreted with a full understanding of prognostic factors, becausethe hidden heterogeneity in different studies can alter the outcomes significantly.