[Endodontics in motion: new concepts, materials and techniques 5. The dynamics of the periapical laesion]

Periapical laesions are a frequently occurring phenomenon, in both untreated teeth and teeth which have undergone endodontic treatment. Various factors have been found to positively influence the effectiveness of endodontic treatment, which is defined by a lack of clinical symptoms and also the absence or shrinkage of the periapical laesion. The chance of a painful exacerbation of a persistent periapical laesion is small, even if the area of the laesion has expanded, which happens in approximately 50% of the cases. The survival of endodontically treated teeth with a periapical laesion is 87% after 10 years. Restorative reasons frequently are the main reason for extraction and the presence of a periapical laesion is seldom the reason for losing a tooth. The influence of the periapical laesion on general health is still unclear.