Aim
To analyse the prevalence of periapical lesions and their association with previous root canal treatment, root canal filling length and type of coronal restoration using in vivo cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) assessment.
Methodology
A global sample of 20 836 teeth, with a combined total of 27 046 roots, from 1160 patients, was analysed via CBCT assessment in eight health centres. Each tooth was evaluated by one out of five examiners after having performed a defined calibration procedure on the basis of 319 teeth. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability tests were performed. Each tooth was classified according the tooth number, presence/absence of periapical lesions, presence/absence of previous root canal treatment, length of root canal filling (short, good or overfilling) and type of coronal restoration. The z‐test for proportions was used to analyse differences between tooth subgroups, and an odds ratio was determined in order to analyse the association between treatment status and periapical lesions. A P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
At a tooth level, the overall prevalence of periapical lesions in the sample was 10.4%. Maxillary teeth were associated with a significantly larger percentage of lesions (13.1%), whilst maxillary first molars had the greater proportion of lesions (21.2%). The prevalence of periapical lesions was significantly larger in root filled teeth (55.5%), short root canal fillings (72.7%) and in teeth restored with crowns (46.1%). At a root level, the mesiobuccal roots of both maxillary first molars had a tendency for a larger percentage of periapical lesions.
Conclusion
History of root canal treatment, root canal filling length and type of coronal restoration influenced the presence of periapical lesions. Molars were more commonly associated with periapical lesions on root filled teeth, particularly those with short root fillings and those with crowns.
In a period of up to 5 years, the resin cuspal coverage of endodontic treated teeth had a success rate of 96%, while the tooth survival rate was 100%. The type of support material on the opposing arch may influence the longevity of the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
Dens invaginatus may be seen as a developmental malformation. It is characterized by an invagination of the enamel and dentin, creating a lumen inside the affected tooth, which may extend as deep as the apical foramen. Oehlers Type IIIb is considered the most challenging clinical conditions. The purpose of this study is to discuss the nonsurgical endodontic management of vital and necrotic dens invaginatus Type IIIb cases. Due to the complex anatomical consideration of dens invaginatus Type IIIb, endodontic treatment is extremely technique sensitive. A conservative approach was used in a vital case to treat the invaginated lumen only, to preserve the vitality of the pulp, and a more invasive approach was used in a necrotic case to debride the lumen and necrotic pulp for proper disinfection of the root canal system. Although different, all the approaches were successful. The clinical signs and symptoms were resolved. The vital case remains vital after 19 months, and the recall radiographs were able to show satisfactory periapical healing both in vital and necrotic cases. Due to the highly complex anatomy of dens invaginatus Type IIIb, the decision of preserving the pulp vitality may not be related only to pulpal diagnosis but also to the technical requirements of the treatment. Although very technically sensitive, it may be possible to treat the invaginated lumen exclusively, while preserving the vitality of the pulp. Necrotic cases may require a more aggressive approach to achieve a favorable prognosis.
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