[Longitudinal study of the efficacy of conservative endodontic treatment for chronic periapical lesions].

UNLABELLED: Our study aimed to assess the possibilities of healing in periapical lesions following endodontic therapy, using a standardised technique.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Study group included 34 patients with 15-45 age. 40 teeth with periapical granuloma and periapical difuse osteitis were endodontically treated. All teeth presented radicular obturations with adequate length and density consisting of gutaperca points and antiseptic sealer (Endoflas, Sanlor). Optimum coronal sealing was provided through prosthetic restorations or composite resins associated with glassionomer cements. All treated teeth were radiographically monitorised on a 24 months time interval. Periapical Index (PAI) were used for assessment of periapical healing processes. Recorded data were used for statistical analysis in SPSS 16 trial.

RESULTS

The assessment of periapical status after 24 months showed a complete periapical healing for 42.5% teeth (PAI 1-2), partial periapical healing for 52.5% teeth and 5% endodontic failures. Median values for PAI indices decreased from an initial 4.75 value to 4.30 after 3 months, 3.33 after 12 months and 2.60 after 24 months. Wilcoxon tests confirm significant statistical differences between PAI indices at different time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate radicular obturation associated with optimum coronal sealing provide a favourable environment for periapical healing processes, providing success in endodontic therapy of chronic apical periodontitis. Time interval represents a major factor that influences periapical remineralisation degree.