Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of intermediate restoration time-lapse on the
survival rate and changes in radiographic periapical lesions of endodontically treated
teeth.
Materials and Methods The included treatment records and periapical films of 62 patients were divided into
two groups based on the time-lapse of intermediate restoration: within 4 months group
(≤4 m group) and more than 4 months group (>4 m group).
Statistical Analysis Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank test. The predictive
clinical factors were assessed using a Cox regression model and hazard ratio, considering
both clinical and radiographic outcomes from the latest recall appointment. Changes
in periapical index (PAI) scores on radiographs were evaluated using the Chi-square
test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results The mean survival rate of endodontically treated teeth was 77.4%. The survival rates
of the ≤4 m group and >4 m group were 83.3 and 69.2%, respectively, without statistical
significance. None of the clinical factors significantly affected the clinical outcome.
However, the >4 m group exhibited significantly worse changes in PAI scores between
the final restoration appointment and the latest recall.
Conclusion Different time-lapses for intermediate restoration did not significantly affect the
survival rate. However, an intermediate restoration time-lapse of more than 4 months
tended to result in worse changes in PAI scores.
Keywords
endodontics - intermediate restoration - periapical pathology - radiographic image
interpretation - treatment outcome
