Cone-beam computed tomography in the assessment of periapical lesions in endodontically treated teeth

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the quality of the coronal restoration and the root canal filling on the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth using CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT data were obtained from the records of patients who deny any dental treatment in the 2 years prior to the CBCT examination. CBCT images (90 kVp and 7 mA, exposure time of 23 s, and a voxel size of 0.2 mm, with a field of view of 13 cm × 13 cm) of 1011 endodontically treated teeth were observed. A score was given to the quality of the root filling and the quality of the coronal restoration. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were statistically analyzed to correlate the periapical status with gender, dental group. and quality of endodontic treatment and restoration (Chi-square test with a significance level of P < 0.001). RESULTS: Absence of periapical periodontitis was found in 54.9% of the cases. The periapical outcome was not related to gender or dental group (P > 0.05). A statistically significant factor (Chi-square test, P < 0.0001) resulted when different qualities of sealing were compared. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT showed that high-quality root canal treatments followed by an adequate coronal sealing restoration avoid the presence of periapical periodontitis in time.