Characteristics of teeth referred to a public dental specialist clinic in endodontics

Aim To investigate referrals to a specialist clinic in endodontics in relation to previously root filled teeth and to determine how many of these teeth had a history of symptoms and the extent to which antibiotics were prescribed. Methodology The total number of referrals to the specialist clinic in endodontics in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2011 was investigated retrospectively by means of patient records. The endodontic status together with the presence or absence of symptoms was registered. The following variables were also examined: gender, age, tooth number and lower or upper jaw. Additionally for root filled teeth, the type of restoration, the technical quality of the root filling and the presence of apical periodontitis were registered. The use of antibiotics was examined for all of the included teeth. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equation methods applied to univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 1117 patient records were investigated, including 1341 referred teeth. Pain and/or swelling were recorded for 658 (54.3%) teeth. Symptoms were significantly more associated with females (P