Radiographic and histologic periapical findings of root canal treated teeth in cadaver.
The success of root canal treatment can be subjectively evaluated both clinically and radiographically. Normally, the recall radiograph is the main factor in evaluating success or failure.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated periapical areas of root canal treated teeth by correlating radiographic and histologic findings.


METHODS
Jaws were resected from cadavers and radiographed. Those teeth that had received root canal treatment were evaluated for success or failure based on radiographic criteria. Teeth and surrounding bone were then removed en bloc and prepared for light microscopy. Untreated teeth without periapical pathosis were examined as controls.


RESULTS
Root canal treated teeth classified as failures were found to consistently have inflammatory resorptive lesions at the periapices. In contrast, those treated teeth classified as radiographically successful showed varying reactions ranging from normal uninflamed to mildly inflamed.


CONCLUSIONS
Those classified as failure showed consistent inflammation. However, the majority of our examined treated teeth were radiographically normal and exhibited no periapical inflammation.
Green
T L
TL
University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Walton
R E
RE
Taylor
J K
JK
Merrell
P
P
D002102:Cadaver; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology