DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/G9BE-H218
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Sarah H. Glass, DDS
Second Advisor
Garry L. Myers, DDS
Third Advisor
Caroline K. Carrico, PhD
Abstract
The histological diagnosis of a periapical lesion has been shown to be radiographically indistinguishable. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the histologic reports of periapical biopsies in order to determine the prevalence of the diagnoses and distribution of the pathoses with respect to patient and tooth-related characteristics. Biopsy cases from the Oral Diagnostic Services Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University from January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2023 were reviewed. The primary inclusion criterion was that the biopsies were obtained from the periapical areas of teeth. The following data was recorded: referring clinician name and specialty, patient age and sex, anatomic site, and histological diagnosis. The results were determined using descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages, chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Significance was declared at P< 0.05. A total of 8,501 biopsy reports met the inclusion criterion. The overall distribution of the diagnoses consisted of 68% periapical granulomas, 28% radicular cysts, and 4% ‘other’ periapical findings. A variety of diagnoses were seen in the ‘other’ periapical findings category. These included fibrous bony defects, benign fibro-osseous lesions, odontogenic keratocysts, and other benign and malignant pathoses. The distribution of the periapical lesions further varied with respect to the dental arch, tooth type, patient age and patient sex. Although the vast majority of the biopsies included benign lesions, this study reinforces the importance of ruling out any potential malignant lesions. These findings may further impact a dental practitioner’s differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2025