Abstract

RUFASTO-GOCHE, KS; VIGO-AYASTA, ER; LIZARBE-CASTRO, MV  and  SALAZAR-RODRIGUEZ, MR. Etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of apical periodontitis. Literature review. Av Odontoestomatol [online]. 2023, vol.39, n.1, pp.9-16.  Epub May 29, 2023. ISSN 2340-3152.

Apical Periodontitis (AP) is an inflammation and destruction of the periapical tissues commonly caused by bacteria as a result of dental caries or trauma. Although the host's defense mechanisms are activated, the bacterial action causes apical destruction. The microbiota related to this pathology has been identified inside the root canal of teeth. Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive cocci present in persistent clinical cases of AP. A root canal treatment can eliminate the infectious agents. However, if AP persists, a root canal retreatment or an apicoectomy can be considered. Although the definitive diagnosis of AP is achieved by histopathological examination, research studies confirm that cone beam computed tomography is more likely to detect AP than periapical radiography (RP). The objective of this literature review is to describe the etiology, periapical index, apical periodontitis classification: acute and chronic, as well as additional diagnostic test and treatment alternatives for its clinical approach.

Keywords : Apical periodontitis; apical microbiota; osteolytic lesion; periapical index.

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