Success & Failure

The document discusses factors that determine the success or failure of endodontic treatment. It identifies three main causes of endodontic failure: pre-operative causes, operative causes, and post-operative causes. Pre-operative causes include misdiagnosis and improper treatment planning. Operative causes include iatrogenic factors like failing to completely remove bacteria from the canal or overextending instruments, as well as anatomical difficulties. Post-operative causes involve issues with the restoration or periodontal situation after treatment. Radiographs alone do not determine success, and multiple factors must be considered when evaluating an endodontic case.