title: Prevalence of apical periodontitis detected in cone beam CT images of a Brazilian subpopulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) detected in cone beam CT (CBCT) images from a database.
  
  
  METHODS
  CBCT images of 300 Brazilian patients were assessed. AP images were measured in three dimensions. Age, gender, number and location of total teeth in each patient were considered. AP location was considered according to tooth groups. The extent of AP was determined by the largest diameter in any of the three dimensions. Percentages and the χ(2) test were used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AP was found in 51.4% of the patients and in 3.4% of the teeth. Higher prevalence of AP was found in 60- to 69-year-olds (73.1%) and in mandibular molars (5.9%) (p < 0.05). Inadequate endodontic treatment presented higher prevalence of AP (78.1%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AP can be frequently found in CBCT examinations. The presence of AP has a significant association with patients' age, and tooth type and condition. CBCT databases are useful for cross-sectional studies about AP prevalence in a population.
authors: Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo Brazil. lucianamfernandes@usp.br
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Paes da Silva Ramos Fernandes
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ordinola-Zapata
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Húngaro Duarte
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Alvares Capelozza
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging