Neslihan YILMAZ ÇIRAKOĞLU, Muhammed LÖLEK
Journal of Dental Sciences and Education - 2026;4(2):51-55
Aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term success rate of apical resection procedures and to investigate factors potentially associated with treatment outcomes under routine clinical conditions. Methods: Clinical records of patients who underwent apical resection at a single academic center between January 2015 and January 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic variables, tooth characteristics, root-end filling materials, and operator type were recorded. Treatment outcome was assessed based on the absence of clinical symptoms and radiographic reduction in periapical lesion size. Preoperative and follow-up periapical radiographs were calibrated and analyzed using ImageJ software. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Variables potentially associated with treatment outcome were further evaluated using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine independent predictors of treatment success. Inter-observer reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results: A total of 357 apical resection cases were included, with a mean follow-up period of 72 months (range: 18-120 months). Thirty-six teeth were extracted due to failure of apical resection and were therefore classified as unsuccessful outcomes. Among the remaining 321 cases, successful healing was observed in 240 cases, while unsuccessful healing was observed in 81 cases. Statistically significant associations with treatment outcome were observed for sex, jaw location, operator type, and root-end filling material (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that sex, root-end filling material, and root morphology were independently associated with treatment outcome. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, apical resection demonstrated acceptable long-term outcomes under routine clinical conditions. Treatment outcomes appeared to be associated with several clinical and procedural factors, particularly root-end filling material and root morphology.
