Influence of endodontic treatment quality on apical periodontitis in maxillary and mandibular molars: A retrospective CBCT study

TL;DR

This study shows that high-quality endodontic treatments reduce apical periodontitis in molars, especially in the lower jaw.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence linking endodontic treatment quality to apical periodontitis outcomes in molars.

Findings

Apical periodontitis was found in 54% of treated molars.

Adequate obturation length and density were linked to lower AP prevalence.

Inadequate restorations and missed canals increased AP incidence.

Abstract

The effect of endodontic treatment quality on apical periodontitis (AP) in maxillary and mandibular molars was evaluated in this
retrospective CBCT study. AP was found in 54% of the 174 treated molars that were evaluated; it was more common in mandibular molars.
Significantly lower AP prevalence was linked to adequate obturation length and density. Inadequate coronal restorations and missed canals
were strongly associated with increased AP incidence. Thus, data shows the importance of proper coronal sealing and high-quality root
canal therapies are for long-term success.