Interventions in root-filled teeth identified in general dental practice: A 6-year longitudinal observational study

Area of Science:

• Endodontology
• Dental Public Health
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Root-filled teeth are common in dental practice.
• Long-term outcomes of root-filled teeth in general dentistry are not well-documented.
• Understanding the fate of these teeth is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To track the clinical course of root-filled teeth over a six-year period.
• To identify factors associated with interventions (retreatment or extraction) for these teeth.
• To assess the management of root-filled teeth with signs of apical disease or pain.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of adult patients with previously root-filled teeth was followed for six years.
• Dental practitioners managed treatments based on standardized protocols.
• Data on tooth events and baseline factors were collected and analyzed using regression models.

Main Results:

• Over six years, 2.0% of root-filled teeth underwent retreatment and 14.9% were extracted.
• Teeth with periapical radiolucency, tenderness to percussion, or poor coronal restoration were significantly more likely to be retreated or extracted.
• Many teeth with apical radiolucency or pain did not receive intervention.

Conclusions:

• Root-filled teeth with radiological signs of apical disease frequently remain untreated in general dental settings.
• Mildly painful root-filled teeth may not receive necessary interventions.
• Baseline indicators like apical periodontitis, pain, and inadequate restorations predict future interventions.