Endodontic Outcome
The success or failure status of root canal treatment, assessed by defined radiographic and/or clinical criteria at a specified follow-up time.
Full Definition
Endodontic outcome is a composite measure used in root canal therapy research to classify treated teeth as healed, healing, or diseased (failed) based on periapical radiographic findings and clinical signs and symptoms. The Periapical Index (PAI) score is commonly used to standardise outcome classifications. Editors must verify that the outcome classification criteria are explicitly defined and attributed to a recognised scoring system. The term 'success' and 'survival' are not interchangeable in endodontic contexts: a tooth may survive in the mouth while exhibiting signs of persistent periapical pathology. Authors should define whether 'outcome' encompasses patient-reported measures or is limited to clinical and radiographic criteria.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish 'endodontic success' from 'tooth survival'; these are distinct endpoints and must not be conflated in results or discussion sections.
In Context
- "Endodontic outcomes were assessed at one year using the Periapical Index, with scores of 1 and 2 classified as success." — Retrospective clinical study results
- "The editor queried the author's use of 'success rate' without defining the threshold PAI score that distinguished successful from failed endodontic outcomes." — Peer review editorial query