# Danish endodontic practice-based research network: follow-up data

## TL;DR

This study followed root canal treatments in a Danish dental network to evaluate outcomes and factors affecting success.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical data on root canal treatment outcomes in a practice-based research network in Denmark.

## Key findings

- 66% of teeth showed improved or stable periapical health after treatment.
- Adequate root filling seal and length were associated with better treatment outcomes.
- Initial poor periapical status (PAI 3-5) negatively impacted treatment success.

## Abstract

The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to follow-up root canal treatments performed by dentists in the practice-based endodontic research network setting, to assess treatment outcome and factors related to treatment outcome.

Baseline information from 536 teeth was included, follow-up information on 269 teeth (50%) was available. Treatments were performed by 12 dentists during 2017–2018. Follow-up period varied from 3.5 months to 3 years. Treatment outcome was assessed in periapical radiographs using the Periapical Index (PAI). Cases were classified as referred or not. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables were recorded by the dentists during treatment and analysed at follow-up in relation to treatment outcome.

Periapical status improved or remained healthy in 174 (66%) teeth. If PAI at baseline was 3, 4, or 5, the outcome was affected negatively (p = 0.049). The length and seal of the root filling was assessed adequate in 75% and 63% of the teeth, respectively. Adequate seal (p = 0.02) and length (p = 0.03) resulted in improved treatment outcome.

When initial periapical status and/or quality of the root filling was good, there was a higher chance of a successful treatment outcome.