Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

10:26
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
Tooth survival after root canal treatment
1Department of Endodontics, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry, Saudi Arabia.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
|March 26, 2011
Summary
Root canal treatment (RCTx) offers 86-93% tooth survival over 10 years. Key factors for success include crown restoration, proximal contacts, non-prosthetic abutment status, and tooth type (non-molars).
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- This meta-analysis evaluates prognostic factors influencing tooth survival after root canal treatment (RCTx).
- A systematic literature search identified relevant clinical studies meeting specific inclusion criteria.
- Data were extracted and analyzed using fixed and random effects meta-analyses to determine tooth survival rates and prognostic factor effects.
Discussion:
- Substantial heterogeneity exists among studies, limiting direct comparisons.
- Evidence for prognostic factors was initially weak, but meta-analysis identified significant predictors.
- The study highlights the importance of post-RCTx restorative and prosthetic management.
Key Insights:
- Tooth survival after RCTx ranges from 86% to 93% over 2-10 years.
- Four factors significantly improve tooth survival: crown restoration, intact proximal contacts, non-prosthetic abutment function, and non-molar tooth type.
- These factors were consistently identified across different evidence strands.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to investigate the sources of heterogeneity and refine prognostic models.
- Optimizing post-RCTx care, including appropriate restorations and prosthetic design, can enhance long-term tooth retention.
- Understanding these prognostic factors can aid clinicians in patient counseling and treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...