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

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