(PR168) Record Analysis of Permanent Teeth Treated as Endodontic Emergency Visits

Objectives: Endodontic treatment may be initiated emergently for the alleviation of acute dental pain, although not all patients return to complete treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify variables that influence the completion of treatment initiated as emergency visits and evaluate motivations for patients to seek care after initial emergency treatment.

Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted for subjects treated as emergency visits in the Ohio State University Graduate Endodontic clinic from 2016 to 2022. Emergency subjects that did not return to complete root canal therapy (RCT) and those treated with vital pulp therapy (VPT) were contacted via survey. A follow-up visit was completed for eligible VPT subjects. Bidirectional Akaike information criterion regression and descriptive statistical analysis were performed.

Results: A total of 4,588 permanent teeth were included, with 4,406 in the RCT group, and 182 VPT. Overall emergency RCT completion rate was 67%. Significant predictive variables for completion were identified: adults >36 years (1.5-2.7x), uninsured (0.3x), internal referrals (4x), no dental home (0.5x), 30-59 miles from clinic (0.7x), maxillary anterior teeth (1.2x), asymptomatic apical periodontitis (2x), and acute apical abscess (0.5x). Survey responses cited logistical constraints (financial and time) as reasons for not returning.

Conclusion: Age, dental insurance, referral source, distance to clinic, tooth type, and apical diagnosis significantly predicted completion of emergency RCT. Barriers to care including patient finances and time constraints are important to consider for patients to return for treatment completion and follow-up.