MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract
Root canal treatment serves to address the infection within the dental pulp tissue. According to a study published in Texas Dental Journal, root canal failure rate was found to be 30 percent of the 174 teeth that had undergone root canal treatment with 18 percent of these teeth being ultimately extracted. Understanding the factors that influence the risk of root canal failure is essential to performing a successful treatment. This seminar paper consists of an overview of the root canal procedure, with a focus in discussing microbial and non-microbial factors regarding failure in the treatment. Non-microbial factors consist of both procedural errors and abnormal anatomical structures. Case studies will be presented to discuss possible abnormal anatomies and their associated challenges. Finally, recommendations on the approach of retreatment process will be discussed.

Reader’s Profile:
Dental student beginning clinical rotations, specifically in the endodontics department, will be the primary audience.

Reader’s response:
As health care providers, understanding that certain factors are beyond our control is essential to overcome the challenges, especially failure to treat patients successfully. However, being aware of all the known factors that are within our control will hone our knowledge and skill sets to the cases that we will come across throughout our careers. Understanding the anatomical structures of rare cases, along with assessing the best approach, will be crucial.

I -- is cost a factor? Any information on the socio-economic status of those people with root canal failure?