Prevalence and Factors of Peri-apical Lesions in Primary Molars

Kalaoğlu E. E., Alyamaç S.

INTERNATIONAL DENTAL JOURNAL, vol.74, no.1, pp.87-88, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Abstract
  • Volume: 74 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.07.837
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL DENTAL JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.87-88
  • Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

AIM or PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of peri-apical lesions in primary molars among children aged 4-14 years.

MATERIALS and METHOD

Panoramic x-rays were obtained from 613 pediatric patients (306 girls, 307 boys) attending the Istanbul Gelisim University Dentistry Faculty Pediatric Dentistry Department between 2023 and 2024. The periapical index scoring system was utilized following training on a randomly selected set of panoramic x-rays. Peri-apical lesions were identified by a single researcher, with a randomly selected subgroup of 100 patients independently assessed by a second researcher to establish inter-rater reliability. Teeth with periapical lesions were categorized as caries-free, carious, filled, or pulpotomy/pulpectomy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee at Istanbul Gelisim University.

RESULTS

Among the 613 pediatric patients, peri-apical lesions were observed in 310 individuals (approximately one in every two children) across their primary molars. A total of 3,514 primary molars were assessed, demonstrating substantial inter-rater reliability (Cohen's kappa coefficient: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98). Out of these, 877 molars (25%) exhibited peri-apical lesions. Notably, among the primary molars affected by peri-apical lesions, the majority (82%) were untreated carious teeth, followed by those that had pulpotomy/pulpectomy (12%), while only a small proportion were filled (4%).

CONCLUSION(S)

Our study revealed a significant prevalence of peri-apical lesions in primary molars among children, predominantly associated with untreated caries. Early intervention and preventive dental care are crucial to mitigate the development of such lesions.