Management Options and Outcomes for Root-Filled Teeth That Have a Periapical Radiolucency

Abstract

Post-treatment endodontic disease (PTED) may be defined by the presence of a periapical radiolucency in a previously root-filled tooth when the lesion can no longer be assumed to be healing. When a diagnosis of PTED is made, theoretically only three management options remain: no treatment (review and reassess), endodontic retreatment (nonsurgical or surgical), or extraction (including root resection). The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with a current and clinically relevant summary of the management options for PTED, with an emphasis on aetiology, case selection, and related outcomes to help clinicians filter and provide management options to the patient.

Keywords: apical periodontitis; apical surgery; endodontic retreatment; persistent disease; treatment planning.