Endodontic management of combined endodontic-periodontal lesions

Endodontic-periodontal lesions can provide many challenges to clinicians. Although there may be difficulties in establishing a correct diagnosis, this is the most important phase of their management as the diagnosis will determine the type and sequence of treatment required. In general, if the root canal system is infected, endodontic treatment should be commenced prior to any periodontal therapy in order to remove the intra-canal infection before any cementum is removed. This avoids several complications and provides a favourable situation for tissue repair. The endodontic treatment can be completed before periodontal treatment is provided except where there is a "combined endodontic-periodontal lesion with communication"--in these cases, the root canals should be medicated until the periodontal treatment has been completed and the overall prognosis has been reassessed as being favourable. The use of non-toxic intra-canal therapeutic medicaments is essential to destroy bacteria and to encourage tissue healing.