Radiographic Evaluation and Predictors of Periapical Lesions in Patients with Root-Filled and Nonroot-Filled Teeth in Kuwait

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the association between periapical health status with the quality of the root filling and was the coronal restoration and identify the predictors of periapical lesion. Subjects and Methods: It was conducted among 197 adult patients who visited Kuwait University. Periapical status was measured by periapical index. The presence or absence of periapical lesions was evaluated using panoramic radiographs. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Chi-square tests were performed to assess associations between categorical variables. Results: Of the 4,841 teeth examined, 2.7% were root-filled (n = 130). Thirty-four percent of the root-filled teeth (n = 44), and 3% of the nonroot-filled teeth (n = 141 of 4711) exhibited periapical radiolucency. Of the root filled teeth, 49% were judged to be inadequate (n = 64) and 91% of the inadequate ones had short root filling (n = 58). The presence of periapical lesion was significantly predicted by inadequate coronal restoration, dental caries, periodontal bone loss, and the presence of post crown. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a large number of untreated teeth with periapical pathology. The quality of root fillings in this population appeared to be poor and was significantly associated with a high prevalence of apical periodontitis.