Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Vanita Suthar.
VanitaSuthar@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder of periradicular tissues occurring due to continuous microbial infection in the root canal of the affected tooth. Data from past literature have showed significant prevalence of AP in endodontic treated teeth. Hence; we planned the present study to assess the prevalence of AP in root canal treated teeth.  Materials & methods: A total of 100 patients were included in the present study, which underwent root canal therapy during the study period. According to the radiographic quality of root canal fillings and restorations, the teeth were classified as Adequate and Inadequate. Based on the radiographic findings, the prognosis of the root canal therapy was assessed in terms of Periapical index score (PAI). PAI score of 1 indicating healthy tooth while PAI 5 indicating tooth with severe periodontitis. All the results were compiled in Microsoft excel sheet and were analysed by SPSS software.  Results: Inadequate root canal therapy was performed in 80 cases. Among these 80 cases, healthy peri-apical tissue, as assessed by PAI score was found in 25 cases, while in the remaining 55 cases, peri-apical tissue was found to be unhealthy. Among the 20 cases of adequate treatment, healthy peri-apical tissue, as assessed by PAI score was found in 15 cases, while in the remaining 5 cases, peri-apical tissue was found to be unhealthy. The overall prevalence of AP was found to be 60 percent. Conclusion: In general dentistry, special emphasis should be made on improving the quality of root canal therapy for promoting the quality of periodontal health and decreasing the incidence of associated peri-apical pathologies. Key

words: Apical periodontitis, endodontics, dentistry.