Objective: To analyse the relationship between the presence of dental caries and the success of the endodontic treatment. Methods: A cohort retrospective study was developed among 169 patients of both genders, ranging from 13 to 71 years old under endodontic therapy in the years of 1998 and 1999 at Faculdade de Odontologia of Universidade de Pernambuco. In 2001, the patients returned for clinical and radiographic evaluation. The examinations were standardised and it was pointed out the necessary cares in order to get the data (calibration). The statistical analysis was performed based on frequencies distribution, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test and linear regression in the SPSS. The standard error of 5% and the confidence interval of 95% were pre-stablished. Results: A statistical significant relationship was observed between the presence of caries and the educational level (P=0.02), presence of restorative material (P<0.01), marital status (P=0.03). 72.8% of cases when dental caries was not present were successful and only 27,2% when it was present. In the linear regression, it was achieved a significant relationship between the presence of primary or secondary caries (P=0,048) and the success index. Conclusions: It was concluded that the evaluation of the level of dental caries must be considered towards the determination of the endodontic success.

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