Comparative radiographic and histological analyses of periapical lesion development.
OBJECTIVE
The present study evaluated the dynamics of the development of periapical lesions.


METHODS
Root canals from dogs' teeth were exposed to the oral environment, and then sealed for 7 days (Group A), 15 days (Group B), 30 days (Group C), and 60 days (Group D). After each experimental period, radiographs were taken to detect periapical bone resorption. In addition, histological sections from the periapical region were prepared. The radiographic and histological results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's, Wilcoxon, and Pearson's tests. Significance level was set at 5%.


RESULTS
Lesions were radiographically visible at 15 and 30 days, and had similar size at these periods (P > .05). At 60 days, lesions were larger than in the other periods (P < .05). Bone resorption was detected histologically at 7 days. The greatest values of bone resorption were observed at the 30- and 60-day periods (P < .05). The results of the methods of evaluation were similar only at the 30-day period. There was no correlation between the radiographic and histological results.


CONCLUSIONS
Periapical radiography did not provide detection of periapical lesion in its initial stages. The periapical lesions became more evident radiographically when the bone resorption area increased.
Tanomaru-Filho
Mario
M
Araraquara Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil. tanomaru@uol.com.br
Jorge
E G
EG
Duarte
M A H
MA
Gonçalves
M
M
Guerreiro-Tanomaru
J M
JM
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D004285:Dogs; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors