Using the Periapical Index to evaluate the healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment

Aim: Root canal treatment is aimed at curing or preventing periapical periodontitis. This study aimed to radiographically evaluate the remission of periapical lesions after root canal treatment.

Materials and Methods: An observational, longitudinal, ambispective (retrospective and prospective) and comparative (before and after) study at the endodontic clinic of the Autonomous University of State of Mexico was realized. Nineteen patients were included who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A periapical x-ray of follow-up and evolution was performed in the period February–June 2017 and compared with the initial radiograph. The periapical root status was evaluated using the periapical index (PAI) described by Ørstavik et al., in 1986.

Results: 36.8% were male and 63.2% female. The mean age was 40.31±12.75 years. The mean number of days elapsed between the initial radiograph and the control radiograph was 618.42±102.38. The comparison of the initial and final periapical state of all teeth was favorable; in all, a positive change in the periapical lesion was observed (p=0.0001).

Conclusions: The root canal treatment in the sample studied reduces apical periodontitis with a high rate of success, allowing the periradicular tissues of the dental organs to recover their state of health. In developing countries, like Mexico, root canal treatment is a procedure that demonstrates effectiveness at 2 years after it is done. This kind of treatments is recommended to preserve the teeth in the Mexican population.