An evaluation of etiologic factors in 382 patients treated in a postgraduate endodontic program.

A survey was completed to determine and to evaluate the reason for endodontic treatment performed by endodontic residents at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland at Baltimore. On the basis of patient data and the reasons for endodontic treatment, as stated by the treating residents, the results showed that necrotic pulp and irreversible pulpitis were the most frequent reasons for endodontic therapy. Other reasons for treatment included restorative considerations, retreatment, and trauma. The majority of cases involved posterior teeth, and the average age of patients was 40.0 years. The frequency by arch demonstrated approximately equal distribution between maxillary (54.8%) and mandibular (45.2%) teeth. A total of 224 (58.6%) of the 382 patients surveyed had preoperative pain.