The health of the periodontium needs to be assessed
because in a compromised dentition, the long-term
prognosis for retaining a single tooth may be poor.
Approximately one-third of endodontically treated
teeth requiring extraction are lost because of
periodontal problems.
Insufficient periodontal
support (Fig 3) may thus be viewed as a contra-indication to root canal treatment. Periodontal
management of patients is important to the long-term
success of any treatment plan,
but this area of
discussion is beyond the scope of this article.