Apical Periodontitis
Pronunciation: AY-pih-kul pair-ee-oh-don-TY-tis
Inflammation of the periapical tissues resulting from pulpal infection or necrosis, presenting radiographically as widening of the apical periodontal ligament space or a periapical radiolucency.
Full Definition
Apical periodontitis is a microbially driven inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the root apex. In its acute phase it may produce no radiographic change or only subtle widening of the periodontal ligament space; chronic forms typically produce a well-defined periapical radiolucency. The term encompasses a spectrum of pathology including acute apical abscess, chronic apical abscess, and periapical granuloma. Editors must be careful not to use 'apical periodontitis' interchangeably with 'periapical abscess,' as the latter specifically denotes a suppurative collection. Classification systems such as the Periapical Index (PAI) are used to standardize radiographic reporting of this condition.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'apical periodontitis' as the umbrella term in radiographic reports rather than specifying granuloma or cyst, unless histopathological confirmation is available.
In Context
- "The periapical radiograph demonstrated a 4 mm radiolucency at the apex of the lower left first molar, consistent with chronic apical periodontitis." — Dental radiology report
- "Apical periodontitis cannot be reliably differentiated from a radicular cyst on radiographic grounds alone." — Clinical textbook