SP-27 - Host Factors Influencing Outcome of Apical Periodontitis: Can We Act on Them?

Apical periodontitis (AP) is the inflammatory dresponse to the endodontic infection advancing within the root cana, and is normally resolved with a correct instrumentation, disinfection and obturation of the endodontic system.
Nevertheless, according to recent reports, the incidence of persistent AP (PAP) in treated teeth is increasing. The most important clinical factors related to persistent AP, have to do with residual infection in uninstrumented volumes of the root canals. In recent years, it has become evident that also systemic conditions affecting the patients, on one hand, and individual genetic predisposition to substain a stronger immune-inflammatory response, on the other hand, may influence the develpment and presentation of AP and its healing response to endodontic treatment.
Taking into account the patient's health may help predicting the outcome of endodontic treatment, future protocols may enhance healing by complementing treatment of AP with medications.