Clinical factors related to noncompletion of root canal therapy

Objectives: This study identified clinical factors related to noncompletion of root canal therapy (RCT) among patients in a dental health maintenance organization (HMO) based in Portland, OR. Methods: A secondary analysis of a case-control study was conducted using data from 303 individuals enrolled continuously in the HMO from January 1, 1987, through December 31, 1994, who received endodontic access on a permanent nonwisdom tooth in 1987 or 1988. Person- and tooth-level characteristics were evaluated to compare patients whose accessed tooth was obturated by December 31, 1994, with patients whose accessed tooth was not obturated by that date. Written and electronic records were reviewed to ascertain study variables, and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to describe differences between the two groups. Results: Incomplete RCT was more common among patients who were symptomatic prior to access and had more missing first molars at access. It also was more common among teeth that were decayed, had more pockets greater than or equal to5 mm, and had fewer decayed or filled surfaces at access. Conclusions: Because patients with greater evidence of past and current oral disease were less likely to have completed RCT, they may require additional counseling about the importance of carrying through with prescribed treatment.