CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF NONHEALING PERIRADICULAR PATHOSIS - SURGERY VERSUS ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT

Nonhealing periradicular pathosis associated with endodontically treat ed teeth is customarily managed by revision (retreatment). Root-end re section is less often the first choice of treatment. Objectives. This prospective randomized study compared the outcome of retreatment and s urgical intervention in root canal treated teeth with nonhealing perir adicular pathosis. Study design. One such tooth from each of 38 patien ts was randomly allotted to retreatment or root-end resection and root -end filling. Treatment outcome after 1 year was evaluated and compare d clinically and radiographically. Results. The success rate for surge ry was higher than for conventional retreatment, but the difference wa s not statistically significant. Conclusions. For management of nonhea ling periradicular pathosis associated with root canal treated teeth, surgical intervention should be considered as an alternative to retrea tment. In cases with a similar prognosis for both modes of treatment, the choice should be governed by consideration of intrinsic and extrin sic factors.