Demographics, smoking status, and systemic health factors associated with apical periodontitis in a Brazilian rural population: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the systemic diseases diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension (AH), and smoking status are associated with apical periodontitis (AP) in a representative rural population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a representative sample of individuals obtained from a population-based epidemiological survey carried out in the rural area of the city of Rosário do Sul, RS, Brazil, from March 2015 to May 2016. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and clinical examination. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables independently associated with AP. RESULTS: Of the 584 individuals included in the study, 353 (60.4%) had AP. The presence of AP was independently associated with age ≥ 40 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.867, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.193-2.923, p = 0.006), non-white ethnicity (OR = 1.509, 95% CI: 1.029-2.115, p = 0.035), active or former smoker (OR = 2.087, 95% CI: 1.241-3.510, p = 0.006) and DM or prediabetes (OR = 1.676, 95% CI: 1.150-2.443, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The study identified significant associations between AP and demographics, smoking status, and systemic disease in a Brazilian rural population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study emphasized the significance of comprehending and managing associated factors in preventing and treating AP.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis in people living with HIV in Southern Brazil / Prevalência de periodontite apical em pessoas vivendo com HIV no Sul do Brasil

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) over 50 years old and explore its association with sociodemographic, medical, and oral characteristics. Methods: Data from 59 PLHIV were collected, and the periapical area of 1018 teeth was evaluated through periapical radiographs (Rx) using the periapical index (PAI). The presence and quality of root fillings and restorations (coronal fillings and crowns) were assessed with Rx, and caries presence was based on Rx and clinical data. Viral load (VL) and T CD4 counts were also analyzed. Results: AP prevailed in 71% of individuals and 8% of teeth. Family income of >5 Brazilian minimum wages (OR=0.06, 95% CI=0.005-0.62) and having at least one root-filled tooth (OR=14.55, 95% CI=1.45-145.72) were associated with AP prevalence, whereas VL and T CD4 were not. Caries, root filling, and restorations were associated with AP occurrence. Conclusion: PLHIV presented a high AP prevalence, but intrinsic factors related to HIV infection were not associated with AP in the studied subjects. PLHIV would benefit from oral health policies to prevent AP, as the results indicate that the endodontic disease in the present sub-population might be related to social problems.(AU)

Objetivo: este estudo transversal teve como objetivo descrever a prevalência de periodontite apical (PA) em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV) acima de 50 anos de idade, e explorar sua associação com características sociodemográficas, médicas e bucais. Métodos: os dados de 59 PVHIV foram coletados e a região periapical de 1018 dentes foi avaliada através de radiografias periapicais (Rx) usando o Índice Periapical (PAI). A presença e qualidade das obturações radiculares e restaurações (restaurações diretas e coroas) também foram avaliadas no Rx; a presença de cárie foi baseada em dados clínicos e radiográficos. Carga Viral (CV) e contagem de linfócitos T CD4 também foram avaliados. Resultados: a prevalência de PA nos indivíduos foi de 71%, e 8% dos dentes apresentaram PA. Renda familiar >5 salários mínimos (OR=0.06, 95% CI=0.005-0.62) e ter pelo menos um dente com obturação endodôntica (OR=14.55, 95% CI=1.45-145.72) foram associados com a prevalência de PA, enquanto que CV e T-CD4 não foram. A presença de cárie, obturação endodôntica e restaurações foram associadas com a presença de PA no dente. Conclusão: PVHIV apresentaram uma alta prevalência de PA, mas fatores intrínsecos relacionados à infecção pelo HIV não foram associados com PA nos sujeitos avaliados. PVHIV se beneficiariam de políticas públicas de saúde para prevenir a PA, uma vez que os resultados indicam que a doença endodôntica na presente subpopulação pode ser relacionada a problemas sociais.(AU)

Apical periodontitis and associated factors in a rural population of southern Brazil: a multilevel analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and sociodemographic/clinical factors in a probability sample of individuals living in a rural area of southern Brazilian. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 584 non-edentulous adult individuals who had undergone a full-mouth radiographic survey. Periapical status was analysed using the periapical index (PAI). Endodontic status was evaluated considering the occurrence of voids in the filling material and the root filling length. Crown status was classified based on the presence of caries, restorations, and prosthetic crowns. Sociodemographic variables, frequency of dental care, and periodontal disease were also registered. The data were analysed using hierarchical multilevel Poisson regression analysis. The multilevel structure was composed of three models: sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, and clinical variables adjusted by sociodemographic variables (α = 5%). RESULTS: The prevalence of AP in the sample was 60.45%. AP was significantly associated with age, skin colour, schooling, periodontal disease, and frequency of dental care (P < 0.005). Among the 10,396 teeth evaluated, 868 (8.35%) had AP, which was significantly associated with tooth group, dental arch, crown status, and endodontic treatment (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AP was high in the population studied. An older age, black/brown skin colour, low level of schooling, infrequent dental care, severe periodontal disease, mandibular teeth, posterior teeth, inadequate crown status, and having undergone endodontic treatment were significantly associated with the outcome. Clinical relevance This study about a rural probability sample reinforces that AP is still a recurrent oral health problem.

Lesiones perirradiculares asociadas a primeros molares superiores tratados endodónticamente: estudio a través de tomografías computadas / Periradicular lesions associated with endodontically treated maxillary first molars: study through computed tomography

Objetivos: Estudiar con tomografías computadas de haz cónico (CBCT) las lesiones perirradiculares de primeros molares superiores tratados endodónticamente; evaluar la lo- calización y, en los que tenían lesión en la raíz mesiovestibu- lar (MV), evaluar la frecuencia del conducto MV2. Materiales y métodos: A partir de una muestra de 179 tomografías, que incluían primeros molares superiores, se seleccionaron y analizaron aquellas en las cuales estos ha- bían recibido un tratamiento endodóntico previo, presentaban lesiones perirradiculares y conservaban una restauración co- ronaria. Las variables analizadas fueron: la localización de áreas radiolúcidas compatibles con lesiones perirradiculares de origen endodóntico y la correlación entre diferentes loca- lizaciones y la calidad del tratamiento realizado (adecuado, defectuoso o sin tratamiento). Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado y la prueba de Spearman. Resultados: De las 179 CBCT que incluían primeros molares superiores, 90 reunían las condiciones requeridas. La frecuencia de las lesiones perirradiculares fue significativa- mente mayor en la raíz MV al compararla con las raíces disto- vestibular y palatina (p<0,05). El conducto MV1 presentó un tratamiento adecuado en todos los casos. El conducto MV2 recibió un tratamiento adecuado en 4 casos (4,44%), defec- tuoso en 4 casos (4,44%) y no tratado en 82 casos (91,1%); con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05). Conclusiones: En la muestra analizada, la localización de lesiones perirradiculares postratamiento endodóntico en primeros molares superiores se encontró con mayor frecuencia asociada a la raíz mesiovestibular, donde en la mayoría de los casos el con- ducto MB2 no fue tratado o presentó un tratamiento defectuoso (AU)

Aim: To study with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) the periradicular lesions of maxillary first molars with endodontical treatment; to evaluate its localization and, in those with a mesiobuccal root (MB) injury, assess the fre- quency of the MB2 root canal. Materials and methods: From a sample of 179 tomog- raphies (CBCT) that included maxillary first molars, those in which they had received previous endodontic treatment, pre- sented periradicular lesions and had a coronary restoration were selected and analyzed. The analyzed variables were: localization of radiolucent areas compatible with periradic- ular lesions of endodontic origin and the correlation between different localizations and quality of the performed treatment (adequate, defective, or untreated). Data were analyzed by the chi-square test and the Spearman test. Results: Of the 179 CBCT that included maxillary first molars, 90 met the required conditions. The frequency of periradicular lesions was significantly higher in the MB root when compared with distobuccal and palatal roots (P<0,05). The MB1 canal presented an adequate treatment in all cas- es. The MB2 canal received adequate treatment in 4 cases (4.44%), a defective one in 4 cases (4.44%) and was untreated in 82 cases (91.1%). The differences among these frequencies were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: In the analyzed sample, the localization of periradicular lesions after endodontic treatment in maxillary first molars was associated more frequently with the mesio- buccal root in which in the majority of cases the MB2 canal was untreated or presented a defective treatment

Factors related to apical periodontitis in a southern Brazilian population: a multilevel analysis.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of individual-level and tooth-level factors on apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban population in southern Brazil. A random sample of digital panoramic radiographs (n = 545) from a dental school database was evaluated. The diagnosis of AP was determined by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). AP was assessed according to gender, age, presence and quality of endodontic treatment (ET), presence of an intracanal post, coronal condition, and dental group. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multilevel Poisson regression analysis, considering teeth characteristics (level 1) nested in individuals (level 2). In this sample of 545 participants, the prevalence of AP was 49.5% (n =2 70) and ET was 43.5% (n = 237). Considering 13,595 teeth, AP was identified in 596 (4.4%) and ET in 617 (4.5%). Of the teeth with ET, 153 (24.8%) presented AP. Among individual-level factors, the disease was not significantly associated with gender or age. For tooth-level factors, AP was significantly associated with ET quality: teeth with short fillings (< 3 mm) and teeth with over-fillings had 2.77 (CI: 1.95-3.94, p < 0.001) and 1.08 (CI: 0.39-2.98, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of AP, respectively. There was no association between AP and age, gender, dental group, coronal condition, or the presence of an intracanal post. AP was highly prevalent in this population, and multilevel analysis indicated a significant association with ET quality.

The global prevalence of apical periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Apical periodontitis (AP) frequently presents as a chronic asymptomatic disease. To arrive at a true diagnosis, in addition to the clinical examination, it is mandatory to undertake radiographic examinations such as periapical or panoramic radiographs, or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thus, the worldwide burden of AP is probably underestimated or unknown. Previous systematic reviews attempted to estimate the prevalence of AP, but none have investigated which factors may influence its prevalence worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To assess: (i) the prevalence of AP in the population worldwide, as well as the frequency of AP in all teeth, nontreated teeth and root filled teeth; (ii) which factors can modify the prevalence of AP. METHODS: A search was conducted in the PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, LILACS, Google scholar and OpenGrey databases, followed by hand searches, until September 2019. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies reporting the prevalence of AP in humans, using panoramic or periapical radiograph or CBCT as image methods were included. No language restriction was applied. An adaptation of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the pooled prevalence of AP at the individual level. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of AP in all teeth, nontreated teeth and rootfilled teeth. Subgroup analyses using random-effect models were carried out to analyse the influence of explanatory covariables on the outcome. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 6670 articles, and 114 studies were included in the meta-analysis, providing data from 34 668 individuals and 639 357 teeth. The prevalence of AP was 52% at the individual level (95% CI 42%-56%, I2  = 97.8%) and 5% at the tooth level (95% CI 4%-6%; I2  = 99.5%). The frequency of AP in root-filled teeth and nontreated teeth was 39% (95% CI 36%-43%; I2  = 98.5%) and 3% (95% CI 2%-3%; I2  = 99.3%), respectively. The prevalence of AP was greater in samples from dental care services (DCS; 57%; 95% CI 52%-62%; I2  = 97.8%) and hospitals (51%; 95% CI 40%-63%; I2  = 95.9%) than in those from the general population (GP; 40%; 95% CI 33%-46%; I2  = 96.5%); it was also greater in people with a systemic condition (63%; 95% CI 56%-69%, I2  = 89.7%) compared to healthy individuals (48%; 95% CI 43%-53%; I2  = 98.3%). DISCUSSION: The subgroup analyses identified explanatory factors related to the variability in the prevalence of AP. However, the high clinical heterogeneity and high risk of bias across the primary studies indicate that the findings must be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the adult population worldwide have at least one tooth with apical periodontitis. The prevalence of AP is greater in samples from the dental care services, but it is also high amongst community representative samples from the general population. The present findings should bring the attention of health policymakers, medical and dental communities to the hidden burden of endodontic disease in the population worldwide.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infections associated with a higher frequency of apical periodontitis in type two diabetes mellitus patients.

To identify the prevalence of C. albicans in primary endodontic infections of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compare their clinical and radiographical characteristics with a non-diabetic control group, establishing the possible relationship between primary endodontic infection, T2DM, and C. albicans, since diabetes mellitus (DM), influences the development, course, and response to the treatment of apical periodontitis, but the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) has not been considered before. A total of 120 patients were selected and divided into two groups: 60 T2DM diagnosed patients and 60 non-diabetic controls. A clinical examination and radiographic analysis were performed to establish a periapical index score (PAI). Root canal samples were taken. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, and specific primers were used to identify C. albicans by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A twofold increase in the prevalence of C. albicans in T2DM patients was observed in contrast to control patients (p = 0.0251). Sixty-five percent of T2DM patients with positive C. albicans scored a ≥ 3 PAI, while only 27% of the patients without C. albicans had a ≥ 3 PAI score (p = 0.0065). Long-term DM patients presented C. albicans more frequently (p < 0.0001). In this study, long-term T2DM patients carried C. albicans in their root canals more frequently when having a primary endodontic infection. Furthermore, this C. albicans presence seems to be related to a higher frequency of apical periodontitis.

Presença de cárie e periodontite apical em pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica com necessidade de transplante renal / Presence of caries and apical periodontitis in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring kidney transplantation

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é caracterizada pela alteração progressiva e irreversível da função dos rins. A presença de lesões cariosas e da periodontite apical exercem influência na saúde sistêmica dos pacientes com DRC. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de cáries e periodontites apicais em pacientes que estão em tratamento de hemodiálise e na lista de espera para transplante renal. Vinte e seis pacientes aceitaram participar do estudo, porém as informações de um foram excluídas por se enquadrarem nos critérios de exclusão. Então, foi realizado exame clínico e radiográfico periapical em 25 pacientes, onde o índice CPO-D foi determinado considerando as faixas etárias, assim como, foi verificado a presença de periodontites apicais e a sua indicação para tratamento endodôntico ou extração dentária. Os pacientes também relataram práticas de saúde bucal e presença de sintomatologia durante a anamnese. Em 12 pacientes foi detectado pelo menos um dente com lesão cariosa e a média de dentes com lesões de cárie por paciente foi de 2,64. O índice CPO-D foi de 12,66 para pacientes com idade entre 23 e 34 anos, índice considerado moderado pela OMS; CPO-D de 15,71 para pacientes na faixa etária dos 35 à 44 anos e de 17,16 para pacientes entre 45 e 64 anos, índices considerados como "alto" pela OMS. Foi observado a presença de periodontite apical em 32% dos pacientes e a média de lesões por paciente foi de 2,37. Do total de periodontites apicais presentes 7 foram indicadas ao tratamento endodôntico e 6 à extração dentária. Foi observado ausência de cárie e/ou periodontite apical em 10 dos 25 pacientes avaliados. Conclui-se que os pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica possuem alta incidência de lesões de cáries e alta prevalência de periodontites apicais(AU)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive and irreversible alteration of the function of the kidneys. The presence o f carious lesions and periapical periodontitis have an influence on the systemic health of patients with CKD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of dental caries and periapical periodontitis in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatm ent and on the kidney transplant. Twentysix patients agreed to participate in the study waiting list of . Because of the inclusion criteria, one of them had to be excluded . Then, a clinical and periapical radiographic examination was performed in 25 patien ts, where the DMFT index was determined considering the age groups, as well as the presence of apical periodontitis and the indication of endodontic treatment or tooth extraction. Patients also reported oral health practices and symptomatology during anamn esis. In 12 patients less than one tooth with dental carie was detected and the average of teeth with dental caries per patient was 2.64. The DMFT index was 12.66 for patients aged 23 to 34 years, a rate considered moderate by the WHO; DMFT of 15.71 for pa tients aged 35 to 44 years and 17.16 for patients aged 45 to 64 years, rates considered "high" by the WHO. Apical periodontitis was observed in 32% of patients and the average of lesions per patient was 2.37. The total apical periodontitis presents 7 indic ators of endodontic treatment and 6 of tooth extraction. Absence of caries and / or apical periodontics was observed in only 10 of 25 patients. It was concluded that patients with chronic kidney disease suffer a high incidence of dental caries and a high p revalence of periapical periodontitis(AU)

Associação entre a periodontite apical e o diabetes mellitus: uma revisão da literatura / Association between apical periodontitis and diabetes mellitus: a literature review

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão de literatura para verificar a relação entre o diabetes mellitus e a periodontite apical (PA). Revisão da literatura: a PA caracteriza-se por uma perda óssea na região do ápice dental, que decorre principalmente da contaminação do sistema de canais radiculares. Embora a PA seja um processo inflamatório local, na região do periápice radicular, sua progressão pode ser influenciada por patologias sistêmicas, como o diabetes. O diabetes melittus é uma patologia crônica na qual há alteração na produção de insulina ou resistência à ação desta, esse hormônio auxilia a manter a concentração normal de glicose sanguínea. O quadro de hiperglicemia crônica presente no paciente diabético descompensado ocasiona alterações fisiológicas, que permitem suspeitar de uma relação entre o diabetes e a progressão de lesões periapicais. Considerações finais: a literatura estudada sugere uma associação positiva entre a presença do diabetes e a progressão de lesões periapicais. Porém, apesar de os estudos apontarem que existe uma maior prevalência de periodontite apical em diabéticos, ainda são poucas as evidências científicas sobre o assunto. (AU)

Objective: the present study aims to review the lit-erature to verify the relationship between diabetes mellitus and apical periodontitis (AP). Literature Review: the AP is characterized by bone loss in the tooth apex region, mainly resulting from the contamination of the root canal system. Although AP is a local inflammatory process in the root peri-apex region, its development may be affected by systemic pathologies such as diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that causes chang-es in insulin production or the resistance to its action, considering this hormone helps maintain-ing the normal concentration of blood glucose. The chronic hyperglycemia condition in decom-pensated diabetic patients causes physiological changes that allow establishing a relationship be-tween diabetes and the development of the peri-apical lesions. Final considerations: the literature studied suggests a positive association between the presence of diabetes and the development of periapical lesions. However, although studies in-dicate a higher prevalence of apical periodontitis in diabetics, there is still little scientific evidence on the subject. (AU)

Validation of self-reported history of root canal treatment in a southern Brazilian subpopulation.

The aim of this study was to assess self-reported history of root canal treatment (SRHRCT) as a method for detecting the presence of root canal treatment (RCT) and apical periodontitis (AP) in a southern Brazilian subpopulation. In this cross-sectional study, 136 military police officers from the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were included. The participants were interviewed and full-mouth periapical radiographs were taken. A calibrated examiner determined the presence of RCT and AP by applying standardized criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of SRHRCT was calculated separately for RCT and AP. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), efficiency, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were estimated. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 ± 10.4 years and 88.2% were males. Overall, SRHRCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for RCT, but not for AP: sensitivity (RCT = 0.960, AP = 0.757) and specificity (RCT = 0.835, AP = 0.631). The estimated values for PV and LR were: +PV (RCT=0.777, AP=0.396), -PV (RCT = 0.972, AP = 0.890), +LR (RCT = 5.853, AP = 2.057), and -LR (RCT = 0.046, AP = 0.383). SRHRCT proved to be a good predictor of the presence of RCT, but a weak predictor of AP in this subpopulation.

Validation of self-reported history of root canal treatment in a southern Brazilian subpopulation

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess self-reported history of root canal treatment (SRHRCT) as a method for detecting the presence of root canal treatment (RCT) and apical periodontitis (AP) in a southern Brazilian subpopulation. In this cross-sectional study, 136 military police officers from the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were included. The participants were interviewed and full-mouth periapical radiographs were taken. A calibrated examiner determined the presence of RCT and AP by applying standardized criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of SRHRCT was calculated separately for RCT and AP. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), efficiency, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were estimated. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 ± 10.4 years and 88.2% were males. Overall, SRHRCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for RCT, but not for AP: sensitivity (RCT = 0.960, AP = 0.757) and specificity (RCT = 0.835, AP = 0.631). The estimated values for PV and LR were: +PV (RCT=0.777, AP=0.396), -PV (RCT = 0.972, AP = 0.890), +LR (RCT = 5.853, AP = 2.057), and -LR (RCT = 0.046, AP = 0.383). SRHRCT proved to be a good predictor of the presence of RCT, but a weak predictor of AP in this subpopulation.

Periapicopatias inflamatórias de origem endodôntica: estudo multicêntrico na população brasileira / Endodontic periapical lesions: A multicenter study in the Brazilian population

Introdução: as periapicopatias inflamatórias de origem endodôntica são as doenças mais frequentes dos ossos maxilares e ocorrem principalmente como consequência da disseminação da infecção endodôntica. Apesar de vários estudos, não existem dados recentes sobre as características epidemiológicas e clínicas dessas lesões envolvendo uma amostra tão grande da população. Objetivo: Investigar as características epidemiológicas e clínicas das periapicopatias inflamatórias de origem endodôntica, incluindo o granuloma periapical, o cisto radicular e o abscesso periapical. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo e multicêntrico em quatro instituições com centros de referência em diagnóstico oral no Brasil. Todos os registros histopatológicos foram revisados e foram incluídos todos os casos diagnosticados microscopicamente como granuloma periapical, cisto radicular e abscesso periapical. Foram coletados os seguintes dados demográficos e clínicos: sexo, idade e cor da pele dos pacientes, sintomas, duração, tamanho e localização das lesões e concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico. Análises estatísticas descritivas e bivariadas, utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, foram realizadas. Em casos de variáveis com mais de duas categorias, utilizou-se o teste Z para comparação das proporções de colunas e a correção de Bonferroni. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: foram encontrados 10.381 casos de lesões periapicais entre 74.931 espécimes arquivados (13,8%) em 65 anos. Os cistos radiculares foram as lesões mais comuns (59,9%). As lesões periapicais acometeram principalmente mulheres (56,1%), com média de idade de 37,01 anos (13 a 100 ± 14,42 anos) e cor de pele branca (59,2%). As lesões eram geralmente assintomáticas (28,1%), persistindo por mais de um ano (13,3%), com tamanho de até 10 mm (25,2%) e localizadas na maxila (60,1%) e região posterior (49,8%). Os cistos radiculares foram maiores (p < 0,001), com maior ocorrência de sintomatologia (p < 0,027) e maior frequência na região posterior (p < 0,001) em relação aos granulomas periapicais. A possibilidade de discordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico foi maior nos granulomas periapicais (p < 0,001). Conclusões: as periapicopatias inflamatórias de origem endodôntica foram comuns em serviços de Patologia Bucomaxilofacial, acometendo principalmente adultos. Isso deve ser uma consequência da carga de cáries não tratadas em dentes permanentes. As mulheres são mais afetadas e o cisto radicular é a lesão mais comum.

Introduction: Inflammatory periapical lesions are the most frequent diseases of maxillary bones and occur mainly as a consequence of the dissemination of endodontic infection. Despite several studies, there are no recent data on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these lesions involving such a large sample. Objective: To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of periapical lesions, including periapical granuloma, radicular cyst and periapical abscess. Methodology: A multicenter retrospective study was realized in four institutional reference centers in oral diagnosis in Brazil. Histopathological records were reviewed and included all cases diagnosed microscopically as periapical granuloma, radicular cyst and periapical abscess. Data on patient sex, age, skin color, symptoms, lesion duration, lesion size, lesion location and concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis were collected. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses using Pearson's Chi-square test were done. A z-test, to compare the column proportions, and Bonferroni correction were used, in the case of variables with more than two categories. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Were found 10,381 cases of periapical lesions among 74,931 archived specimens (13.8%) in 65 years. Radicular cysts were the most common lesions (59.9%). Periapical lesions affected mainly women (56.1%), with a mean age of 37,01 years (range 13 to 100 ± 14,42) and white-skinned (59.2%). The lesions were generally asymptomatic (28.1%), persisting for more than one year (13.3%), size up to 10 mm (25.2%) and located in the maxilla (60.1%) and posterior region (49.8%). The radicular cysts were larger (p < 0.001), with a higher occurrence of symptomatology (p < 0.027) and higher frequency in the posterior region (p < 0.001) compared to periapical granulomas. The possibility of disagreement between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was higher in periapical granulomas (p < 0.001) than radicular cyst. Conclusions: Endodontic periapical lesions were common in the Bucomaxillofacial Pathology services affecting mainly adults. This should be a consequence of the burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth. Women are more affected and radicular cyst is the most common lesion.

Prevalence of technical errors and periapical lesions in a sample of endodontically treated teeth: a CBCT analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to identify the most frequent technical errors in endodontically treated teeth and to determine which root canals were most often associated with those errors, as well as to relate endodontic technical errors and the presence of coronal restorations with periapical status by means of cone-beam computed tomography images. METHODS: Six hundred eighteen endodontically treated teeth (1146 root canals) were evaluated for the quality of their endodontic treatment and for the presence of coronal restorations and periapical lesions. Each root canal was classified according to dental groups, and the endodontic technical errors were recorded. Chi-square's test and descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: Six hundred eighty root canals (59.3%) had periapical lesions. Maxillary molars and anterior teeth showed higher prevalence of periapical lesions (p < 0.05). Endodontic treatment quality and coronal restoration were associated with periapical status (p < 0.05). Underfilling was the most frequent technical error in all root canals, except for the second mesiobuccal root canal of maxillary molars and the distobuccal root canal of mandibular molars, which were non-filled in 78.4 and 30% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of apical radiolucencies, which increased in the presence of poor coronal restorations, endodontic technical errors, and when both conditions were concomitant. Underfilling was the most frequent technical error, followed by non-homogeneous and non-filled canals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluation of endodontic treatment quality that considers every single root canal aims on warning dental practitioners of the prevalence of technical errors that could be avoided with careful treatment planning and execution.

Cross-sectional assessment of the periapical status as related to quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations in a Yemeni population

Aim: the present study aimed to examine the influence of the quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations on the prevalence of periapical lesions. Materials and Methods: Two hundred digital panoramic radiographs were obtained from the archive of Al‑HamziDental Center in Sana’a, Yemen. The final sample consisted of 120 radiographs, and 675 root filled teeth.The quality of root canal fillings was scored according to criteria of length, homogeneity and taper. Coronal status (type of restoration, signs of marginal leakage or decay) was also evaluated. The periapical status was categorized on the basis of presence or absence of radiographical signs of apical periodontitis. Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance between different parameters. Results: We found that 93.6 percent of root filled teeth were associated with apical periodontitis. Only 9.2 percent of root filled teeth were found to have an acceptable standard of root canal fillings, of which 32.3 percent was also associated to signs of periapical disease. In roots with an unacceptable root canal filling, 95.4 percent had periapical disease. Teeth with good (14.4 percent) and poor (32.9 percent) intra-coronal restorations had apical periodontitis in 93.8 percent and 97.7 percent of cases, respectively. Crown restorations were present in 52.7 percent of root filled teeth, of which 91.0 percent were associated with periapical lesions. Conclusion: The poor technical quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations is consistent with a high prevalence of apical periodontitis.

Prevalence of endodontic diseases: an epidemiological evaluation in a Brazilian subpopulation

Aim: To determine the prevalence of pulp and periradicular diseases in a Brazilian subpopulation, correlating the prevalence with sex, age and most affected teeth. Methods: Data collected from medical records of patients treated at the Clinic of Specialization in Endodontics of the Federal University of Pernambuco between 2003 and 2010. The following variables were recorded for each patient: sex, age, affected teeth and diagnosed endodontic disease. Using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, the collected data analysis was set at a 5% significance level. Results: From all the treated teeth, 57% were diagnosed with pulp diseases, with the symptomatic irreversible pulpitis being the most prevalent (46.3%), while among the diagnosed periradicular diseases (43%), chronic apical periodontitis was the most prevalent (81%). Pulp diseases were detected in men and women in an unequal mode (p=0.008). Subjects under 40 years old had higher prevalence of pulp disease (p=0.286), and patients over 50 years were most affected by periradicular diseases (p=0.439). Maxillary incisors and mandibular first molars were the most affected teeth by endodontic diseases. Conclusions: In the evaluated subpopulation, the endodontic diseases were more prevalente in the maxillary incisive, affected indiscriminately individuals of different age groups and chronic apical periodontitis was the most prevalent diagnosed disease (Au)

Apical periodontitis and incident cardiovascular events in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

AIM: To evaluate whether the presence of apical periodontitis (AP), root canal treatment (RCT) and endodontic burden (EB) - as the sum of AP and RCT sites - were associated with long-term risk of incident cardiovascular events (CVE), including cardiovascular-related mortality, using data on participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing (BLSA). METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort included 278 dentate participants in the BLSA with complete medical and dental examinations. Periodontal disease (PD) and missing teeth were recorded. The total number of AP and RCT sites was determined from panoramic radiographs. EB was calculated as the sum of AP and RCT sites. Oral inflammatory burden (OIB) was calculated combining PD and EB. The main outcome was incident CVE including angina, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular-related death. Participants were monitored for up to 44 years (mean = 17.4± 11.1 years) following dental examination. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated through Poisson regression models, estimating the relationship between AP, RCT, EB, PD, OIB and incident CVE. RESULTS: Mean age at baseline was 55.0 ±16.8 years and 51.4% were men. Sixty-two participants (22.3%) developed CVE. Bivariate analysis showed that PD, EB, number of teeth and OIB were associated with incident CVE. Multivariate models, adjusted for socio-demographic and medical variables, showed that age ≥60 years (RR = 3.07, 95% CI =1.68-5.62), hypertension (RR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.16-3.46) and EB ≥3 (RR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.04-3.02) were independently associated with incident CVE. The association between OIB and incident CVE was reduced to nonsignificance after adjustments (RR = 1.97, 95% CI = 0.83-4.70). CONCLUSIONS: EB in midlife was an independent predictor of CVE amongst community-dwelling participants in the BLSA. Prospective studies are required to evaluate cardiovascular risk reduction with the treatment of AP.

Epidemiological evaluation of apical periodontitis prevalence in an urban Brazilian population.

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban Brazilian population according to gender, age group and tooth type. Data were collected from clinical files containing the medical and dental histories and periapical radiographs of 1,126 patients treated at the School of Dentistry at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro between March 2000 and December 2010. A total of 15,724 periapical radiographs were evaluated. All the radiographs were evaluated by two independent, previously calibrated endodontists (kappa = 0.88). Periapical areas on the radiographs were classified as N (normal) or AR (apical radiolucency). The frequency of AP and the 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) were calculated according to gender, age group and tooth type. Differences between groups were calculated using the Z-test at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). AP was present in 7.87% of the samples, with 16.70% occurring on previously endodontically treated teeth and 44.65% occurring on teeth referred for endodontic treatment (TR-RCT). The frequency of AP was higher among females (64%) than among males (35%). The central and lateral maxillary incisors were the most frequently affected teeth. The frequency of AP was higher among individuals between 30 and 49 years of age. In this population, AP was more prevalent among females and among individuals between 30 and 49 years of age, and the central and lateral maxillary incisors were the most frequently affected teeth.

Prevalence of treponema species detected in endodontic infections: systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-regression analysis aimed to calculate a combined prevalence estimate and evaluate the prevalence of different Treponema species in primary and secondary endodontic infections, including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scielo, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases were searched without starting date restriction up to and including March 2014. Only reports in English were included. The selected literature was reviewed by 2 authors and classified as suitable or not to be included in this review. Lists were compared, and, in case of disagreements, decisions were made after a discussion based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pooled prevalence of Treponema species in endodontic infections was estimated. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 265 articles identified in the initial search, only 51 were included in the final analysis. The studies were classified into 2 different groups according to the type of endodontic infection and whether it was an exclusively primary/secondary study (n = 36) or a primary/secondary comparison (n = 15). The pooled prevalence of Treponema species was 41.5% (95% confidence interval, 35.9-47.0). In the multivariate model of meta-regression analysis, primary endodontic infections (P < .001), acute apical abscess, symptomatic apical periodontitis (P < .001), and concomitant presence of 2 or more species (P = .028) explained the heterogeneity regarding the prevalence rates of Treponema species. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Treponema species are important pathogens involved in endodontic infections, particularly in cases of primary and acute infections.