Incidence of flare up in endodontically treated teeth

Background: Patients who begin endodontic therapy may experience pain or swelling
during therapy or after obturation of root canal system (flare –up). The causes of flare-up
phenomena are numerous and often multi factorial. The goal of this study is to examine the
incidence of flare – up and its connection with variables such as pulp and periapical
conditions, the type of treatment, the number of appointment and the tooth groups under
treatment.
Methods and materials: In this study 1168 patients were selected from among the patients
referring for treatment to the endodontics ward of Zahedan faculty of Dentistry. At each visit
information was obtained on each patient as to their demographics, presenting signs,
symptoms and diagnosis and then treatment performed. After complete of the appropriate
forms the data were analyzed with the chi-square statistical method.
Results: The results of the study indicate the incidence of flare – up to be 3.2%، with a
significant relationship between the incidence of flare – up and the pulp and periapical
conditions (P<0.05) and no significant relationship between incidence of flare – up and the
type of treatment performed, the number of treatment appointment and the type of tooth (P>
0.05).
Conclusions: Because bacteria are the source of pulpal and periapical infection,
eliminating of bacteria is necessary for resolve of signs and symptoms of flare-up.