Int J Stomatol

Int J Stomatol ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (3): 308-316.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2026027

• Expert Forum • Previous Articles    

Case assessment and clinical decision-making in endodontic retreatment

Jun Tian(),Xi Wei,Hongyan Liu()   

  1. Dept. of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
  • Received:2025-10-21 Revised:2025-11-20 Online:2026-05-01 Published:2026-04-24
  • Contact: Hongyan Liu E-mail:tianjun2@mail2.sysu.edu.cn;liuhyan7@mail.sysu.edu.cn

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Abstract:

Root canal therapy is an effective treatment for pulp and periapical diseases. However, some teeth may exhibit persistent periapical lesions, disease recurrence, or new lesions after treatment because of the complex anatomy of the root canal and technique-sensitive procedure, thus often requiring retreatment. Retreatment is challenging because of coronal restoration, root filling materials, and complications from previous treatments. This article presents a “3D” clinical decision-making framework comprising “Decide if failure,” “Decide to treat,” and “Decide treatment type” for the evaluation of the teeth, patients, and clinicians to ensure appropriate treatment selection.

Key words: root canal retreatment, decision-making, endodontology, treatment outcome

CLC Number: 

  • R781.05

TrendMD: 

Fig 1

Decide if the endodontically treated tooth is a failure"

Fig 2

Clinical decision-making process for endodontic retreatment"

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