Apicectomy of posterior teeth--a clinical study

Studies evaluating periapical surgery of posterior teeth are relatively few. A retrospective study of 32 apicectomies on posterior teeth using both clinical and radiographic means yielded a success rate of 62 per cent. There were five cases (16 per cent) of failure, the majority of which presented as delayed infection between three and six months following surgery. Post-surgical review of at least six months is recommended. Anatomical considerations for posterior tooth apicectomy and the necessity for retrograde fillings are discussed.