DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/3WFB-7684
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Dr. Garry L. Myers, DDS
Second Advisor
Dr. Steven M. Marinelli, DDS, ABGD
Third Advisor
Dr. Caroline K. Carrico, PhD
Abstract
The diagnosis of apical periodontitis is based on radiographic manifestations and the results of the various clinical tests that can be performed as part of a routine dental examination. Apical periodontitis producing clinical symptoms involving a painful response to biting and/or percussion or palpation is given the diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP). This study aimed to determine associations of SAP with gender, age, radiographic findings, diagnostic testing, pulpal diagnosis, and location of the tooth in the arch. Data for this study were obtained from patients of record treated at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in the Department of Endodontics by first- and second-year residents. Electronic dental charts obtained through axiUm™ were used to identify all patients diagnosed with SAP and these charts were used to determine clinical characteristics associated with the diagnosis. Radiographs of charts included in the initial data set were analyzed using the digital database, MiPACS™. The data showed SAP is associated with the presence of a periapical radiolucency or widened PDL in 63% of cases. A pulpal diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was given in 45% of cases, pulp necrosis in 30%, previous treatment in 19%, and other 6%. Of the posterior teeth included in this study, 73% were molars with mandibular molars representing 44%. Of pulps that responded to cold, 23% presented with radiographic deviations from normal. The study showed more than half of the patients were female (62%) with roughly equal distribution of age, which ranged from 18-94 years.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2022