Indication for Surgical Endodontics in accordance with NICE guidelines

• Author Details:   
• Ali Khan ^*
• Huma Aziz
• Hira Zaman

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This study was conducted to evaluate referral of patients for surgical endodontics by general practitioner following the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Aim of the study was, to see, in the light of existing clinical guidelines provided by NICE and The Royal College of Surgeons, England, if the patients undergoing apicoectomy and retrograde filling at the Smile Line Dental clinic, Pakistan, fit the criterion. Do the referring doctors follow the guidelines. It was a retrospective study conducted in the year 2013-2014. 50 case notes of patients that had undergone apicoectomy and retrograde filling were retrieved from the medical record of the clinic. Inclusion criteria was- re-root canal treatment cannot be done or it is detrimental or failed; root canal treatment prevented by iatrogenic or developmental anomalies; Biopsy needed; visualization of periradicular tissue needed. The quality of root filling and the radiographic apical periodontitis was accessed according to the criteria proposed by De-Moor at el¹⁴. Out of 50 patients 46 were referred by General Dental practitioner; 03 by General Medical Practitioner and 01 from Accident and Emergency of a local hospital.Only 46% patients fulfilled the criterion for indications as per guidelines. Re-root canal treatments shall be encouraged as GDP’s refer patients mostly after 1^st RCT fails.

Keywords: Surgical endodontics, NICE guidelines