Treatment outcome in endodontics: the Toronto study--phases 3, 4, and 5: apical surgery.

Introduction: The long-term outcome of apical surgery performed on root-filled teeth presenting with post-treatment apical periodontitis has been the subject of debate; therefore, current evidence is required to support the prognosis of this important procedure. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the long-term outcome of apical surgery and (2) to identify significant outcome predictors in Phases 3-5 of the Toronto Study, pooled with the previously reported Phases 1 and 2.

Methods: The 4- to 10-year outcome of apical surgery was prospectively assessed by a blinded, independent, calibrated examiner and dichotomized as "healed" (periapical index score View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Treatment outcome in endodontics: the Toronto study--phase 4: initial treatment.

Outcome 4-6 years after initial treatment was assessed for Phase 4 (2000-2001) of the Toronto Study. Of 582 teeth treated, 430 were lost to follow-up (99 discontinuers, 331 dropouts), 15 were extracted, and 137 (32% recall minus 15 extracted teeth) were examined for outcome: healed (no apical periodontitis, signs, symptoms) or diseased. When pooled with Phases 1-3, 439 of 510 teeth (86%) were healed.

Treatment outcome in endodontics: the Toronto study--phases 3 and 4: orthograde retreatment.

Outcome 4-6 years after retreatment was assessed for Phases 3 and 4 of the Toronto Study. Of 477 teeth retreated, 333 were lost to follow-up, 18 were extracted, and 126 (41% recall, excluding 124 discontinuers) were examined for outcome of healed (periapical index score, < or = 2; no signs or symptoms) or diseased. When pooled with Phases 1 and 2, 187 of 229 teeth (82%) were healed.