Etiological factors commonly related to the need of endodontic treatment in individuals with orofacial clefts

BACKGROUND: Dental treatment is fundamental in the rehabilitation of individuals with orofacial clefts, due to their oral condition; when indicated, endodontic therapy allows elimination of infection of the root canal system. Aim: To analyze, by a retrospective study, the most prevalent type of orofacial cleft, the etiological factors most commonly related to the endodontic treatment need, as well as their success and failure rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study analyzed data from 136 records (76 females and 60 males) with mean age of 19 years and 7 months, who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected including the type of cleft, etiological factors that led to the need of endodontic treatment, as well as their success and failure rates. The statistical analysis was performed by the chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher’s Exact and Batista Pike tests. RESULTS: Among the etiological factors, were pulp involvement due to caries, endodontic treatment for prosthetic rehabilitation, tooth resorptions, for orthodontic movement, dental trauma and indication of internal tooth bleaching; the most prevalent factor was pulp involvement due to caries. Among all data analyzed, cleft lip and palate presented the highest percentage, and there was predominance of treatment success compared to failure. CONCLUSIONS: The well-conducted root canal treatment is necessary for dental rehabilitation, maintaining the masticatory function and esthetic harmony of these individuals. Key words:Cleft lip, Cleft palate, Endodontics.