Apical Periodontitis
Inflammation of the periapical tissues surrounding the root apex, typically resulting from pulp necrosis or failed endodontic treatment.
Full Definition
Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the periradicular tissues at the root apex, most commonly caused by microbial infection of the root canal system. It manifests radiographically as a periapical radiolucency representing bone destruction. In dental research, it is assessed using standardized indices such as the Periapical Index (PAI) and is a primary outcome in endodontic clinical trials. Editors must distinguish between acute and chronic forms and ensure consistent terminology throughout a manuscript. The condition is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a 'periapical abscess', which is a specific acute subset.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'periapical abscess', which denotes an acute suppurative lesion. Both forms exist under the apical periodontitis umbrella but are editorially distinct.
In Context
- "Healing of apical periodontitis was confirmed radiographically at the 12-month follow-up." — Endodontic clinical trial results section
- "The prevalence of apical periodontitis was recorded using the PAI scoring system." — Epidemiological study methods section