Outcome of non-surgical retreatment of teeth with apicectomy and persisting apical periodontitis: a retrospective evaluation

Objective: It was the aim of this case series to evaluate the success rate of non-surgical retreatment of teeth with persisting apical periodontitis after apicectomy. Materials and methods: Apical healing was evaluated radiographically in eighty-six consecutive cases of non-surgical retreatment of apicectomies with persisting apical periodontitis performed in a private dental practice from 2003 to 2011. Observation time was at least 12 months. Evaluation of pretreatment and recall radiographs was independently performed by two external dentists not involved in the treatment of the teeth using two-fold magnification. In cases of disagreement a consensus was reached by joint discussion. Success was defined as complete radiographical resolution of periapical lesions and absence of clinical symptoms at the time of the recall visit. Incomplete healing was not rated as success. Results: The success rate was 69.5%, with an additional 10.2% classified as healing, and 20.3% as failures. Conclusions: Non-surgical retreatment of teeth presenting with a persisting apical lesion after apicectomy can be regarded a reasonable treatment option with a limited prognosis in terms of apical healing. Keywords: apicectomy, MTA, non-surgical retreatment, success rate