Fractal analysis and PAI evaluation of healing after endodontic treatment and retreatment: A 24-month follow-up

Background This study compares the healing after 24 months between initial endodontic treatment and retreatment using fractal analysis and the periapical index (PAI) scores. Materials and methods Eighty-three mandibular teeth with 5 mm lesions from 76 patients were selected, and then the teeth were divided into two groups: the primary endodontic treatment group and the retreatment group. Panoramic X-rays evaluated before and after 2 years of treatment were determined in both treatment groups. Differences between groups were evaluated by fractal analysis. Results Post-treatment fractal dimensions were not statistically significant in both groups compared to pre-treatment(p > 0,05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the fractal dimension. Statistically significant decreases were observed in the PAI values within the group(p < 0,001), and no significant difference was observed in terms of time-dependent decreases between the groups(p > 0,05). Conclusions There was no difference in success rate between the first root canal treatment and retreatment. Clinical trial number: Not applicable