A 24-year follow-up of root filled teeth and periapical health amongst middle aged and elderly women in Goteborg, Sweden

Longitudinal study of endodontic and periapical status of an adult Danish population examined in 2009, 2014, and 2019: a repeated cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe endodontic changes in an adult Danish population (C2;2009-2014-2019) and compare them with a similar cohort (C1;1997-2003-2008).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomly selected cohort (C2) with three full-mouth radiographic examinations. The frequencies of teeth, apical periodontitis (AP), root filled teeth, and lost teeth in C2 were compared to a similar cohort (C1) using regression analyses; effect of age, cohort, and period was assessed.

RESULTS

C1 had 330 and C2, 170 participants (mean age, C1: 42.9; C2: 47.3 years, p < .001). The proportion of individuals with no AP was similar in C1 and C2 (p = .46). C2 had a higher proportion of individuals with no root filled teeth (p < .001) and no tooth loss (p = .02) than C1. The proportion of AP and root filled teeth increased with age in both cohorts. C2 had fewer root filled teeth and lost teeth, fewest lost teeth in the youngest age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In C2, the prevalence of teeth with AP and root fillings increased with age, and few teeth were lost. Change in proportion of AP was similar in two cohorts; fewer root filled teeth and lost teeth in C2. The proportion of lost teeth in C2 showed cohort effect for older age groups.

Incidence and influential factors in pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis following indirect restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Restoring vital teeth with indirect restorations may threaten dental pulp integrity. However, the incidence of and influential factors on pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis in such teeth are still unknown. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the incidence of and influential factors on pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis of vital teeth following indirect restorations.

METHODS

The search was conducted in five databases, using MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Eligible clinical trials and cohort studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The overall incidences of pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis following indirect restorations were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup meta-analyses were also performed to determine the potential influencing factors for pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool.

RESULTS

A total of 5,814 studies were identified, of which 37 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall incidences of pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis following indirect restorations were determined to be 5.02% and 3.63%, respectively. All studies were assessed as having a moderate-low risk of bias. The incidence of pulp necrosis following indirect restorations increased when the pulp status was objectively assessed (thermal/electrical testing). The presence of pre-operative caries or restorations, treatment of anterior teeth, temporization for more than two weeks, and cementation with eugenol-free temporary cement, all increased this incidence. Final impression with polyether and permanent cementation with glass ionomer cement both increased the incidence of pulp necrosis. Longer follow-up periods (> 10 years) and treatment provided by undergraduate students or general practitioners were also factors that increased this incidence. On the other hand, the incidence of periapical pathosis increased when teeth were restored with fixed partial dentures, the bone level was < 35%, and the follow-up was > 10 years. The certainty of the evidence overall was assessed as low.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidences of pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis following indirect restorations remain low, many factors affect these incidences that should thus be considered when planning indirect restorations on vital teeth.

DATABASE REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42020218378).

Trends of endodontic and periapical status in adult Danish populations from 1997 to 2009: A repeated cross-sectional study

AIM

To compare the endodontic and periapical status of two similar adult Danish populations examined in 1997-1998 and 2007-2009, respectively.

METHODOLOGY

Two populations from Aarhus County, Denmark (age range: 20-64 years) were randomly selected using the Danish Civil Registration System. Full-mouth intraoral radiographs (14 periapical, 2 bitewing) of 616 individuals in 1997-1998 (C1: 16 018 teeth) and 398 individuals in 2007-2009 (C2: 10 668 teeth) were taken to ascertain the number of teeth, presence of root fillings (RFs) and apical periodontitis (AP) using the periapical index (PAI). T-tests with unequal variances were used to assess differences between C1 and C2 with respect to age and the number of teeth. Multivariable and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of cohort, age and tooth type on the prevalence and relative frequency of RFs and AP.

RESULTS

Mean age and mean number of teeth were higher in C2 than C1 (age; C1: 42.3 years, C2: 44.6 years; p = .003), (teeth; C1: 26.0, C2: 26.8; p < .001). The prevalence of root filled teeth was lower in C2 than C1 (C1: 51.8%, C2: 45.0%; p = .03); however, the prevalence of AP was similar (C1: 42.0%, C2: 45.0%). The relative frequency of root filled teeth was lower in C2 than C1 (C1: 4.8%, C2: 3.6%; p = .004), although the individuals were older in C2. The relative frequency of AP was similar in the two cohorts (C1: 3.3%, C2: 3.6%; p = .42). The relative frequency of AP in non-root filled teeth doubled from 0.9% in C1 to 1.8% in C2. C2 had higher PAI scores than C1 for root filled and non-root filled teeth, despite age correction (p ≤ .0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Two similar general Danish populations examined, respectively, in 1997-1998 and 2007-2009, were associated with a decreasing trend in the prevalence and relative frequency of RFs over the decade. There was no difference in relative frequency of AP in root filled teeth, but an increase in relative frequency of AP in non-root filled teeth. Further population-based studies including analysis of non-root filled teeth using the full-scale PAI and quality assessment of restorations are recommended.

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.

Root canal treatment in elderly patients: A review and clinical considerations

Life expectancy has increased as a result of advancements in health care services; thus, maintaining healthy dentition is an important factor in overall health. Furthermore, the growing desire of elderly patients to maintain their teeth has led to an increased need for the performance of complex dental treatment in elderly patients. Root canal therapy is an essential phase of such treatments. Elderly patients may exhibit one or more systemic conditions that require special care, in addition to other changes that occur within the dentition and oral mucosa as a result of aging. These make root canal treatment in elderly patients a great challenge. The aim of this review was to characterize pathologic and physiologic changes in elderly patients that can interfere with root canal treatment procedures, as well as attitudes of elderly patients toward such treatment, guidelines and clinical considerations for management of root canal treatment in elderly patients.

Lesions of endodontic origin: An emerging risk factor for coronary heart diseases

A high inflammatory state, such as atherosclerosis, is a major underlying cause of coronary heart diseases (CHDs). Inflammatory mediators are known to lead to endothelial dysfunction and play a key role in initiation, progression, and rupture of atherothrombotic plaque. Chronic inflammatory dental infections such as periodontitis and lesions of endodontic origin or chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) may provide an environment conducive for such events. Atherosclerosis has shown to share a common spectrum of inflammatory markers with apical periodontitis. The possible correlation between CHD and CAP is emerging at microbiological, clinical, inflammatory, and molecular levels. This less recognized fact should be discussed more among the dental and medical fraternity so that more awareness and positive approach toward oral health can be created among patients and health-care providers.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal treatment in an adult Saudi population

Objectives:

To determine the health status of periradicular tissue and the quality of root canal fillings in an adult Saudi population attending dental clinics for the first time.

Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted in the dental clinics at King Saud University, Riyadh and other dental centers (Jeddah, Najran, and Albaha City), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between year 2010 and 2012. Good-quality panoramic radiographs of 926 Saudi subjects (540 males and 386 females)were analyzed based on the gender, age, health status, smoking habits, periapical status of the endodontically treated teeth, technical quality of the root canal fillings, and the presence or absence of coronal restoration. Data were calibrated and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 17.

Results:

Of the 25,028 teeth examined, 1,556 teeth (6.2%) had apical periodontitis (AP). Male subjects aged over 55 years and females between 36 and 45 years had higher AP. A total of 36 diabetic and 87 smokers subjects had AP. The AP was more common in male diabetics than female (p=0.383), and in female smokers more than male (p=0.44). Only 42.2% of male and 57.7% of female teeth had adequate root canal treatment.

Conclusions:

Apical periodontitis was significantly related to diabetes, smoking, and inadequate endodontic treatment.

Establishment and maintenance of asepsis in endodontics - a review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Successful endodontic treatment depends on effective measures to eliminate and prevent infection of root canals. Initially treatment should start with isolation and disinfection of the operating field. This review makes an inventory of the available knowledge regarding its establishment and maintenance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database in order to identify clinical trials examining disinfection or unintentional contamination of the endodontic operative field. A list of 115 articles was obtained and screened. Five relevant articles were identified. These articles were read in full text. The reference lists from these articles were checked manually for additional studies and three studies were obtained. A total of eight articles met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

There was a great variety in terms of aim, method, and material of the included studies. None could prove a totally reliable aseptic operative field and not one chemical, or combination of chemicals, were found in more than one study.

CONCLUSIONS

No study documented complete asepsis following initial disinfection, and no study could document predictable maintenance of an established bacteria-free surface. Critical appraisal and standardization of the disinfection and aseptic procedures in endodontics are needed.

Periapical status and prevalence of endodontic treatment in institutionalized elderly

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of apical periodontitis and root fillings in 450 institutionalized Brazilian elderly. The teeth with apical periodontitis were assessed using the Periapical Index (PAI) score. A total of 942 teeth were evaluated in 98 subjects (57 females and 41 males) with mean age of 74 years. The observed frequency of total edentulous subjects was high (76%) in this population. A total of 126 teeth showed root fillings, of these only 46 (36.5%) were scored as having adequate quality. Apical periodontitis was found in 114 teeth (12.1%) in 42 (42.9%) subjects. 80 (70.2%) inadequate root-filled teeth showed apical periodontitis. There was a significant correlation between the presence of periapical pathology and inadequate root-filled teeth. Inadequate root-filled teeth were associated with an increased prevalence of apical periodontitis in these subjects. This fact may result in increased endodontic retreatment needs for this population.

Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in the Management of Postoperative Endodontic Pain

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of using antibiotics in post endodontic treatment as a method to alleviate post-treatment pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After completion of endodontic treatment 129 patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (65 patients) received Ibuprofen 400 mg one tablet before procedure and one tablet every 8 hours for the first day, then one tablet once indicated by pain. Group B (64 patients) received the same regimen as group A in addition to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid tablets (one tablet before the procedure, and then one tablet twice daily for a total of 3 days). Intensity of pain at 8 hours interval using visual analog scale (VAS) and total number of Ibuprofen tablets used was recorded by patients.

RESULTS

Peak postoperative pain occurred at 16 hours post-treatment in both groups, there was a significant difference in the pain scale between the two groups in favor for group B over group A (3.8 vs 2.1 respectively). Pain scale was significantly lower in group B at 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours post-treatment with a p-value of < 0.05. The pain scale at 56, 64 and 72 hours were also less in group B, although could not show up as statistical difference. Patients in group A used statistically significant more Ibuprofen than patients in group B (486 vs 402).

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic prescription to manage post endodontic treatment pain results in less pain with less consumption of Ibuprofens.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Pain management in endodontics is a real challenge, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used effectively in many patients to alleviate post endodontic pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have adverse reactions or may be contraindicated. Short-term use of antibiotics to alleviate pain can be of clinical benefits in these patients.

Radiographic assessments on prevalence and technical quality of endodontically-treated teeth in the Finnish population, aged 30 years and older

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and technical quality of endodontic treatment (ET) in Finland by panoramic radiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As part of the Finnish nationwide Health 2000 Survey, panoramic radiographs of 5244 dentate subjects, aged 30-95 years, were analyzed. The criterion for a technically adequate ET was a distance from the root filling to the root apex of ≤3 mm.

RESULTS

Sixty-one per cent of subjects had one or more teeth with ET. ET was more prevalent in older subjects and among women. Of all teeth (n = 120 250), 7% had had ET, the percentages being greatest for molars and premolars. Technical quality was adequate in 47% of all ET, in 71% of anterior teeth, in 51% of premolars and in 25% of molars.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence and technical quality of endodontic treatment in Finland are comparable to that reported elsewhere, but are still calling for improvement in endodontic treatment, especially regarding molars.

Can a chronic dental infection be considered a cause of cardiovascular disease? A review of the literature

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have a complex etiology determined by risk factors, which are in turn associated to a strong genetic component and to environmental factors. In the biological background for the development of CVD, low-grade chronic inflammation plays a role as a pathogenetic determinant of atherosclerosis. Dental infections have been associated with CVD. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the supporting tissues of the tooth that can lead to teeth loss. In recent years, a number of reports have demonstrated the possible relationship between periodontal disease and CVD. Apical periodontitis, on the other hand, is the late consequence of an endodontic infection, which is caused by the persistence of coronal caries and involves the root canal system of the tooth. Most of the time, it is a chronic infection. Some studies have found a correlation between a "composite status" of oral health (eg. caries, tooth loss, periodontal disease) and CVD, but only a few of them have addressed the association between apical periodontitis and CVD. This "state of the art" paper represents the first stage of an incoming study on the relationship between chronic endodontic infection and CVD.

Technical quality of root fillings and periapical status in root filled teeth in Jönköping, Sweden

AIM

To study changes in technical quality of root fillings and periapical status in root filled teeth in random samples of 20 to 70 year-olds between 1973 and 2003.

METHODOLOGY

Data from dentate subjects aged 20-70 years from examinations conducted in 1973 (n = 498), 1983 (n = 530), 1993 (n = 547) and 2003 (n = 491) were used for the analysis. Length of root fillings were measured on radiographs to the nearest 0.1 mm. Adequate seal was defined as a root filling without lateral and/or apical voids. Periapical status was assessed according to the periapical index. All observations were made by one calibrated observer registered from full mouth radiographic examinations. Teeth with root fillings ending within the canal without lateral or apical voids were considered adequate. The association between root filling quality and periapical status was analysed by means of the Chi-squared test and a multilevel logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Adequately root filled teeth had a significantly lower frequency of apical periodontitis than inadequately root filled teeth (11.8% vs. 22.8%). The frequency of technically adequate root fillings increased statistically significant from 1973 (23.7%) to 2003 (36.4%) without a concomitant improvement of the periapical status in root filled teeth over time (24.5% vs. 24.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports on an improving technical quality of root fillings over time, without a concomitant improvement of the periapical status in root filled teeth. A larger proportion of treated molars over time may be of importance for the result.

Prevalence and technical quality of root fillings in Dakar, Senegal

AIM

To examine the prevalence and technical quality of root fillings and the periapical status of root-filled teeth in a subpopulation of Dakar, Senegal.

METHODOLOGY

Full-mouth periapical radiographs were obtained from 208 consecutive adults presenting as new patients to the Dental Service of the University. The occurrence and technical quality of root fillings were assessed for each root according to the apical extent of the root fillings and its density. The periapical status was evaluated using the Periapical Index Scoring System with a PAI > 2 indicating periapical disease. The presence of coronal restorations and posts was also noted. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test with a significance level set at P < 0.05%.

RESULTS

Of the 6234 teeth examined, 2.6% were root filled. A PAI > 2 was associated with 56.1% of the filled roots. Only 17.7% of the root fillings were technically acceptable and 26.2% of these were associated with a PAI > 2. In roots with unacceptable root fillings, 62.5% had a PAI > 2. Unacceptable root fillings were associated with a higher prevalence of periapical disease (P < 0.001). A post was seen in 18.9% of the filled roots with 66.2% associated with a PAI > 2. A permanent coronal restoration was present in 78.5% of the filled roots, of which 50.7% had a PAI > 2 vs 75.7% for no permanent restoration. At least one periapical lesion was seen in 59.6% of the subjects.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a low prevalence of teeth with radiographic periapical disease, a low prevalence of root-filled teeth and a high prevalence of unacceptable root fillings.

Socio-economic risk indicators for apical periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to reveal possible socio-economic risk indicators for apical periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 1992-93 a representative sample of women in Göteborg, Sweden, aged 38-84 years, participated in a medical and dental survey (n=981) which included dental and medical examinations and dental radiographic examination (OP). The dependent variable was apical periodontitis (AP=0, AP>0). The independent variables were age, number of teeth, number of restored teeth, number of root-filled teeth, number of teeth with carious lesions, satisfactory masticatory function, and dental esthetics as crude measures of self-reported dental health, dental anxiety, time elapsed since last visit to a dental office, regular dental visiting habits, smoking, alcohol habits, and marital status. A subjective evaluation of economy, health and life situation (acceptable or poor) was accounted for as socio-economic variables. The oldest age group, women born 1908, and edentulous individuals were omitted, leaving 844 subjects for analysis. Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression, chi-squared test, and independent t-test for comparison of group characteristics (AP=0 vs AP>0).

RESULTS

For socio-economic variables there was a significant association between acceptable health and apical periodontitis (OR=1.72 (CI=1.09-2.70)). For oral-related variables, root-filled teeth (OR=1.17 (CI=1.10-1.23)) and teeth with carious lesions (OR=1.48 (CI=1.19-1.85)) were predictive of apical periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, socio-economic variables and dental visiting habits did not appear to have obvious implications for periapical health, whereas root-filled teeth and carious lesions were associated with apical periodontitis.

Longitudinal study of periapical and endodontic status in a Danish population

AIM

To describe and discuss changes in periapical and endodontic status in a general Danish population.

METHODOLOGY

In 1997, 616 randomly selected individuals had a full-mouth radiographic survey taken. In 2003, 77% of the participants attended for a new full-mouth radiographic examination. Information on endodontic treatment and periapical status was obtained. The periapical index (PAI) was used to assess apical periodontitis (AP).

RESULTS

More participants had root filling(s) and AP in 2003 than in 1997. More teeth had AP and/or root fillings in 2003. Fewer of the root-filled teeth (RFT) had AP in 2003. Less than 3% of the teeth without root fillings (NRFT) that in 1997 had no AP, developed AP and/or received a root filling. Of the NRFT which in 1997 had AP, more than 35% still had AP and no root filling in 2003. Approximately, 30% of the NRFT with AP in 1997 received a root filling. Of the teeth that received a root filling, 40% had healed, whereas 60% had not. Approximately, 25% of the NRFT that in 1997 had AP had been extracted. In 1997 there were 618 RFT, 314 of the RFT had no AP in 1997. Almost 20% of the RFT that in 1997 were periapically sound, developed AP. Of the 304 RFT with AP in 1997, approximately 30% had healed, in 60% AP persisted, and 10% were extracted.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that caution must be exercised when statements on the outcome of root canal treatment are made based on the cross-sectional studies.