Management of post-treatment endodontic disease: a current concept of case selection

Over 30% of root filled teeth in the population present with endodontic infective disease, which has either persisted or emerged after treatment. Management of these "failed" cases is a challenge to the clinician, at the levels of diagnosis, case selection, communication and decision, and that is even before techniques are considered. Diagnosis should differentiate between endodontic and other aetiologies, and focus on the site of infection. Case selection should be based on how best to control the infection, but also on the benefit-risk balance of the alternative treatment modalities, the attitudes of the patient and the capability of the clinician. All of the above must be communicated to the patient, who then should make the informed decision regarding the selected treatment. This article discusses the treatment rationale, diagnosis, case selection and communication related to post-treatment endodontic disease.