Causes of Endodontic Treatment Failure
Session
Dental Science
Description
Endodontic treatment is considered a highly predictable procedure for preserving teeth affected by pulpal and periapical diseases. Nevertheless, treatment failure remains a clinical challenge, often leading to persistent symptoms or tooth loss. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial to improving prognosis.This review is based on an analysis of current literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2024), focusing on clinical trials, systematic reviews, and case reports addressing causes of endodontic treatment failure.The main factors associated with failure include inadequate cleaning and disinfection of root canals, complex canal morphology, incomplete instrumentation, and insufficient obturation. Other contributing elements are coronal leakage, vertical root fractures, persistent bacterial infections (notably Enterococcus faecalis), and misdiagnosis. Studies report failure rates ranging from 10–20% depending on technique and follow-up period.A comprehensive understanding of the biological, anatomical, and technical causes of endodontic failure is essential for prevention. The adoption of modern instrumentation systems, improved irrigation protocols, use of bioceramic sealers, and proper coronal restoration significantly enhance the long-term success of endodontic therapy.
Keywords:
Endodontics, treatment failure, root canal therapy, obturation, coronal restoration
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.120
Recommended Citation
Dauti, Hajrie, "Causes of Endodontic Treatment Failure" (2025). UBT International Conference. 8.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/DS/8
Causes of Endodontic Treatment Failure
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Endodontic treatment is considered a highly predictable procedure for preserving teeth affected by pulpal and periapical diseases. Nevertheless, treatment failure remains a clinical challenge, often leading to persistent symptoms or tooth loss. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial to improving prognosis.This review is based on an analysis of current literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2024), focusing on clinical trials, systematic reviews, and case reports addressing causes of endodontic treatment failure.The main factors associated with failure include inadequate cleaning and disinfection of root canals, complex canal morphology, incomplete instrumentation, and insufficient obturation. Other contributing elements are coronal leakage, vertical root fractures, persistent bacterial infections (notably Enterococcus faecalis), and misdiagnosis. Studies report failure rates ranging from 10–20% depending on technique and follow-up period.A comprehensive understanding of the biological, anatomical, and technical causes of endodontic failure is essential for prevention. The adoption of modern instrumentation systems, improved irrigation protocols, use of bioceramic sealers, and proper coronal restoration significantly enhance the long-term success of endodontic therapy.