Apical Periodontitis
Also written as: AP — Apical Periodontitis
Inflammation of the periapical tissues around the root apex of a tooth, typically resulting from bacterial infection of the pulp.
Full Definition
Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory lesion at the apex of a tooth root caused by microbial infection of the root canal system. It manifests radiographically as a periapical radiolucency and clinically as pain, tenderness to percussion, or swelling. The condition exists on a spectrum from acute apical periodontitis (symptomatic) to chronic apical periodontitis (asymptomatic), and the correct subtype should be specified in clinical documents. Editors must not conflate this term with 'periodontal disease', which is a gingival and crestal bone condition. The preferred abbreviation in endodontic literature is AP, which must be expanded on first use.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'AP' without prior expansion; 'AP' is also used for anteroposterior in other clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis was confirmed by tenderness to percussion and a periapical radiolucency on the bitewing." — Endodontic case record
- "Authors should specify whether apical periodontitis is acute or chronic, as the distinction affects treatment outcome reporting." — Editorial style guidance