INCOMPLETE HEALING (SCAR TISSUE) AFTER PERIAPICAL SURGERY - RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS 8 TO 12 YEARS AFTER TREATMENT

Twenty-four cases treated by periapical surgery-which 2 to 6 yr after surgery were classified radiographically as incomplete healings (scar tissue)-were further followed, extending the observation period to 8 t o 12 yr, One case healed completely, 1 failed, and 22 were still recor ded in the same healing group. All the 22 scar tissue cases were chara cterized by a reduction of the defect in bone, In 13 cases, continuous periodontal structures were seen and the defect thereby separated fro m the root, The findings support the conclusion that cases clearly sho wing features of incomplete healing (scar tissue) at the regular follo w-up 1 yr after surgery can be regarded as successes. They need not be recorded for further systematic control. A general follow-up program for apicectomy cases is suggested.