The outcome of endodontic resurgery: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim The aim of this paper is to establish an outcome standard for the assessment of healing radiographically after resurgery of persistent periradicular lesions by systematically reviewing the results from published studies. Methodology The systematic review process requires the definition of predetermined criteria delineating the inclusion parameters of studies reviewed. Of 42 papers that were reviewed, eight qualified for inclusion. A weighted-average was calculated from the results taken from the eight eligible, peer-reviewed studies, published between 1970 and 1997. Results Three hundred and thirty patients out of 2375 (14%) from the included studies underwent resurgery for failure of healing as determined radiographically. Of this population, 35.7% healed successfully after resurgery, 26.3% healed with uncertain results and 38% did not heal at the one-year follow-up. Conclusions Although there is nearly equal distribution of results between all categories, a 35.7% rate of healing as assessed radiographically is essentially equivalent to the 38% failure rate. This paper will allow an evaluation of current research results to establish an outcome standard and enable techniques and filling materials to be evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the outcome standard can assist in defining demographic and aetiological factors that contribute to the potential outcome of resurgery cases.