The role of immunologic response as a cause of endodontic pain and failure of endodontic treatment, a review

Abstract

Pain is the most common symptom of a diseased pulp and majority of patients attending the dental clinic normally present with pain. Its management in most cases has been extractions but due to the available and advanced treatment facilities, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) has become an alternative treatment option. Root canal treatment eliminates root canal flora by chemo-mechanical debridement followed by obturation of the canal.

Following endodontic treatment, patients may still present to the clinic with pain that may be related to a flare-up or Endodontic failure. Undoubtedly the pain may be due to a number of aspects related to local tissue changes, namely, microbial factors, immunological phenomena and other entities. This review aims at assisting the dentist in understanding the role of the immunological response as a cause of endodontic pain and possible reasons for failure of endodontic treatment. Various preventive and treatment options have been outlined in respect to the immunological response.

Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 13(1) 2006: 1-12