Success rate in endodontic therapy--a retrospective study. Part I.

A survey was undertaken to review the success rate of endodontic treatment carried out by the undergraduates of the Dental Faculty, University of Singapore over a seven year period. A recall system resulted in a total of 385 cases which were successfully recalled and reviewed. The survey comprised of two parts:--A) history-taking from the endodontic record charts and B) clinical and radiographic evaluation of the cases. The cases in the survey had a minimum 2-year recall period. The success rate obtained was 90.6% which compared favourably with other studies. Root canals that were underfilled and root-fillings showing satisfactory apical compression were found to be more successful, the results being statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Endodontic therapy in non-vital teeth and a recall period of at least 2 years were also associated with a higher success rate. This paper discusses the overall success rate of endodontic therapy and the success and failure rate in relation to age and sex. The success rate in relation to other factors such as level of root-filling, apical compression and period of recall will be reported in a separate part of this paper.