Article original

Success rate and recurrence frequency of periapical surgery: prospective study on 132 cases

Alp Alantar^1*, Candice Bloud², Jean-Marc Galéazzi¹, Marc Baranes³, Gérard Lévy⁴, David Chapireau⁵, Nadia Benlagha⁶ and Louis Maman⁷

¹ Max Fourestier Hospital, 92000 Nanterre, France
² Private pratice, 75016 Paris, France
³ Ivry sur Seine Hospital, 94200 Ivry sur Seine, France
⁴ Endodontic Dentistry department, René Descartes University, 75005 Paris, France
⁵ St Edmund’s College, CB3 0BN Cambridge, UK
⁶ André Grégoire Hospital, 93100 Montreuil, France
⁷ Oral Surgery Department, René Descartes University, 75005 Paris, France

^* Correspondence: alpalantar@wanadoo.fr

Received: 26 September 2009
Accepted: 18 November 2009

Abstract

Objectives: Primary aim is to quantify the success rate of periapical surgery. Secondary objectives include the determination of the histological nature of the lesions, and the incidence of the different teeth on which this surgery is performed.

Study design: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in one centre. The same operator following a standardized surgical protocol performed all surgeries. Follow-up (including clinical examination and periapical X-ray) was conducted at day 7, and months 6, 12 and 18. Statistical analysis included determination of the mean, standard deviation and paired two-tailed Student’s t-test, for each of the variables.

Results:132 periapical surgeries were performed on 114 patients. Success and failure rate at 18 months, are 90%, and 6%, and uncertain in 4%. Histopathology confirmed that 72% of the lesions were granulomas, and 28% cysts. Periapical surgery pertains mostly to maxillary (70%) and posterior teeth (70%).

Conclusion: Prognosis of conventional periapical surgery is very good. Failure rate peaks at 7 months, written informed consent is paramount.