Clinical, radiographic, and histologic perspectives on success and failure in endodontics.

There is a tremendous impact of multiple variables on the decision-making process in determining success or failure. The best approach to quality outcomes is to minimize the variables that can affect case adversity. Therefore, it behooves the clinician, who chooses to do endodontic therapy, to fully understand the level of treatment that is necessary to achieve success and to attain that level on a consistent basis. Additionally, the wise and prudent clinician should be able to assess completed treatment, with the proper integration of clinical and radiographic factors, in an environment that minimizes the shackles of bias and the dictates of cognitive dissonance.