Rationale for Endodontic Treatment Failures A Radiographic Evaluation Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the rationale for failure of endodontic treatments radiographically. Methods: Radiographic evaluation of fifty patients (86 root canals) with failed endodontic treatment was done. Various reasons for failure of endodontic treatment like dislodged coronal seal, underfilled canals, poor quality of fillings, untreated canals and procedural errors during treatment were evaluated. Chi square test was used to determine statistical analysis between different parameters. Results: The highest incidence of failure up to 23% is seen in patients with under filled canals with poor quality of fillings. No statistically significant differences were detected among failed root canals with iatrogenic perforations and loss of coronal restoration. Endodontic failure was most consistent in mandibular molar teeth than maxillary molar teeth. Failed root canals were statistically significant in molar teeth than anterior teeth. Conclusion : Most of the endodontic treatment failures were associated with under filled canals, poor quality of fillings and poor coronal seal. Procedural errors accounted for less than half of failures. The incidence of failures are more in posterior teeth than anterior teeth.