Endodontic Outcomes in Mandibular Second Premolars with Complex Apical Branching.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular premolars that have rare and complex anatomies may have the highest failure rate in nonsurgical endodontic treatment. Awareness of rare and complex anatomies of mandibular second premolars would aid in better outcomes of the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the success of nonsurgical root canal treatment of mandibular second premolar teeth with complex apical branching. METHODS: Twenty-six mandibular second premolar teeth with complex apical branching treated with multiple-visit nonsurgical root canal treatment or nonsurgical retreatment were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: For the clinical outcomes, 9 subjects had complete healing, 1 subject had functional healing, and no subject had no healing scores out of 10 root canal treatment subjects. Six subjects had complete healing, 8 subjects had functional healing, and 2 subjects had no healing scores out of 16 retreatment subjects. For the radiographic outcomes, 7 subjects had complete healing, 3 subjects had incomplete healing, and no subject had no healing scores out of 10 root canal treatment subjects. Six subjects had complete healing, 8 subjects had incomplete healing, and 2 subjects had no healing scores out of 16 retreatment subjects. The clinical outcome of root canal treatment subjects was significantly different than retreatment subjects (P < .05). Similarly, the radiographic outcome of root canal treatment subjects was also significantly different than retreatment cases (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of endodontic treatment of mandibular second premolars may be influenced by treatment type.