Prevalence of apical periodontitis relative to endodontic treatment in an adult Dutch population: a repeated cross-sectional study

ObjectiveWe aimed to compare an Amsterdam subpopulation's current prevalence of root canal fillings and associated periapical radiolucencies with a similar patient sample from 1988.Study designAn Amsterdam subpopulation was evaluated for missing teeth, restorations, quality of endodontic treatment, and periapical radiolucency.ResultsA total of 178 radiographs were evaluated and 4594 teeth were examined. Of these, 324 (7%) exhibited widening of the apical periodontal ligament or periapical radiolucency and 224 (4.8%) had been endodontically treated. A total of 118 teeth (2.5%) had radiographic signs of apical periodontitis. Of these lesions, 54 (45.7%) were linked to endodontically treated teeth (24.1% of endodontically treated teeth). Inadequate root canal fillings were frequent (55.8%). Apical radiolucency was significantly higher in these teeth than in adequately root-filled teeth.ConclusionFindings indicate that the periapical status in an Amsterdam subpopulation has not improved over almost 2 decades.