.jpg "Ilya Mer, DMD photo")
Gary Benjamin, DMD
Endodontics Resident
University of Texas at San Antonio
Prevalence of apical periodontitis in previously treated teeth is reported to be as high as 50% in epidemiological studies. Although one cannot conclude that all these teeth need treatment, it is fair to assume that a large number of teeth with primary root canal treatment will require secondary treatment, surgical or non-surgical. The success of treatment of endodontic failures has been reported in the literature to be 70-80%. However effect of modern technique and technology on prognosis is yet to be known. The aim of this presentation is to evaluate indications for surgical and non-surgical approach. Treatment plan will be discussed and treatment option chosen based on quality of restoration and obturation of the previous treatment. A self-evaluation by the operator, of predictably improving disinfection, is the key to treatment planning. The procedure should be least invasive, time conscious and be chosen after a thorough risk assessment from tooth centered and patient centered perspective.