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Radiographic Interpretation of Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease, and Pulpal and periapical Lesions Slide 2 Interpretation Versus Diagnosis Explanation of what is viewed on a dental radiograph; the ability to read what is revealed by a dental radiograph WHEREAS Diagnosis refers to the identification of disease by examination or analysis Explanation of what is viewed on a dental radiograph; the ability to read what is revealed by a dental radiograph WHEREAS Diagnosis refers to the identification of disease by examination or analysis Slide 3 radiographs are taken to benefit the patient; radiographs must be taken at the beginning of the dental appointment, interpreted, and then used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational purposes Should be reviewed and interpreted immediately in the presence of the patient If any suspicious or questionable areas are seen on the films, the patient can be examined clinically to obtain additional information or to confirm the problem that is suspected radiographically Dental radiographs are best interpreted by the dental professional on a view box in a room with dimmed lighting radiographs are taken to benefit the patient; radiographs must be taken at the beginning of the dental appointment, interpreted, and then used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational purposes Should be reviewed and interpreted immediately in the presence of the patient If any suspicious or questionable areas are seen on the films, the patient can be examined clinically to obtain additional information or to confirm the problem that is suspected radiographically Dental radiographs are best interpreted by the dental professional on a view box in a room with dimmed lighting Slide 4 educational tool By identifying and discussing what is normally found on a dental radiograph. Then the dentist can focus on specific problems or areas of concern Slide 5 INTERPRETATION OF CARIES To detect dental caries, both a careful clinical examination and a radiographic examination are necessary A dental examination for caries cannot be considered complete without radiographs It enable the dental professional to identify carious lesions that are not visible clinically, and allow to evaluate the extent and severity of carious lesions To detect dental caries, both a careful clinical examination and a radiographic examination are necessary A dental examination for caries cannot be considered complete without radiographs It enable the dental professional to identify carious lesions that are not visible clinically, and allow to evaluate the extent and severity of carious lesions Slide 6 Radiographs are useful in the detection of dental caries because of the nature of this disease process; demineralization and destruction of the hard tooth structures result in a loss of tooth density in the area of the lesion Decreased density allows greater penetration of x-rays in the carious area, so that the carious lesion appears radiolucent on a dental radiograph Radiographs are useful in the detection of dental caries because of the nature of this disease process; demineralization and destruction of the hard tooth structures result in a loss of tooth density in the area of the lesion Decreased density allows greater penetration of x-rays in the carious area, so that the carious lesion appears radiolucent on a dental radiograph Slide 7 The bite-wing radiograph is the radiograph of choice for the evaluation of caries because it provides the dental professional with diagnostic information that cannot be obtained from any other source Periapical radiograph using the paralleling technique can also be useful The bite-wing radiograph is the radiograph of choice for the evaluation of caries because it provides the dental professional with diagnostic information that cannot be obtained from any other source Periapical radiograph using the paralleling technique can also be useful Slide 8 Interproximal Caries Interproximal caries is typically seen at or just below (apical to) the contact point. This area is difficult if not impossible to examine clinically with an explorer As caries progresses inward through the enamel of the tooth, Interproximal caries is typically seen at or just below (apical to) the contact point. This area is difficult if not impossible to examine clinically with an explorer As caries progresses inward through the enamel of the tooth, Slide 9 INCIPIENT INTERPROXIMAL CARIES Class I Incipient interproximal caries extends less than through the thickness of enamel Slide 10 MODERATE Interproximal CARIES Class II Extends more than through the thickness of enamel but does not involve the DEJ Slide 11 ADVANCED INTERPROXIMAL CARIES Class III Extends to or through the DEJ and into dentin but does not extend through the dentin more than the distance toward the pulp Slide 12 SEVERE INTERPROXIMAL CARIES Class IV Extends through enamel, dentin, and more than the distance toward the pulp May appear clinically as a cavitation Extends through enamel, dentin, and more than the distance toward the pulp May appear clinically as a cavitation Slide 13 Occlusal Caries Clinical examination is the method of choice for the detection of occlusal caries Because of the superimposition of the dense buccal and lingual enamel cusps, early occlusal caries is difficult to see on a dental radiograph; consequently, occlusal caries is not seen on a radiograph until there is involvement of the DEJ Clinical examination is the method of choice for the detection of occlusal caries Because of the superimposition of the dense buccal and lingual enamel cusps, early occlusal caries is difficult to see on a dental radiograph; consequently, occlusal caries is not seen on a radiograph until there is involvement of the DEJ Slide 14 INCIPIENT OCCLUSAL CARIES Cannot be seen on a dental radiograph and must be detected clinically with an explorer Slide 15 MODERATE OCCLUSAL CARIES Extends into dentin and appears as a very thin RL line The RL is located under the enamel, little if any radiographic change is noted in the enamel Extends into dentin and appears as a very thin RL line The RL is located under the enamel, little if any radiographic change is noted in the enamel Slide 16 SEVERE OCCLUSAL CARIES Extends into dentin and appears as a large RL extends under the enamel of the occlusal surface of the tooth Severe occlusal caries is apparent clinically and appears as a cavitation in a tooth Extends into dentin and appears as a large RL extends under the enamel of the occlusal surface of the tooth Severe occlusal caries is apparent clinically and appears as a cavitation in a tooth Slide 17 Buccal and Lingual Caries Because of the superimposition of the densities of normal tooth structure, buccal and lingual caries are difficult to detect on a dental radiograph and are best detected clinically When viewed on a dental radiograph, caries that involves the buccal or lingual surface appears as a small, circular radiolucent area Because of the superimposition of the densities of normal tooth structure, buccal and lingual caries are difficult to detect on a dental radiograph and are best detected clinically When viewed on a dental radiograph, caries that involves the buccal or lingual surface appears as a small, circular radiolucent area Slide 18 Root Surface Caries Only the cementum and dentin located just below the cervical region or the tooth is involved Bone loss and corresponding gingival recession precede the caries process and result in exposed root surfaces Clinically, root surface caries is easily detected on exposed root surfaces, the most common locations include the exposed roots of the mandibular premolar and molar areas On a dental radiograph, root surface caries appears as a cupped-out or crater-shaped RL just below the CEJ, Early lesions may be difficult to detect on a dental radiograph Only the cementum and dentin located just below the cervical region or the tooth is involved Bone loss and corresponding gingival recession precede the caries process and result in exposed root surfaces Clinically, root surface caries is easily detected on exposed root surfaces, the most common locations include the exposed roots of the mandibular premolar and molar areas On a dental radiograph, root surface caries appears as a cupped-out or crater-shaped RL just below the CEJ, Early lesions may be difficult to detect on a dental radiograph Slide 19 Recurrent Caries Caries reoccurs because of inadequate cavity preparation, defective margins, or incomplete removal of caries prior to the placement of the restoration On a dental radiograph, recurrent caries appears as a radiolucent area just beneath a restoration Recurrent caries occurs most often beneath the interproximal margins of a restoration Caries reoccurs because of inadequate cavity preparation, defective margins, or incomplete removal of caries prior to the placement of the restoration On a dental radiograph, recurrent caries appears as a radiolucent area just beneath a restoration Recurrent caries occurs most often beneath the interproximal margins of a restoration Slide 20 Rampant Caries The term rampant means growing or spreading unchecked Is advanced and severe caries that affects numerous teeth Rampant caries is typically seen in children with poor dietary habits or in adults with a decreased salivary flow The term rampant means growing or spreading unchecked Is advanced and severe caries that affects numerous teeth Rampant caries is typically seen in children with poor dietary habits or in adults with a decreased salivary flow Slide 21 Slide 22 periodontium The tissues that invest and support the teeth such as the gingiva and alveolar bone. The radiographic appearance of healthy alveolar bone: 1.lamina dura: In health, LD around the roots of the teeth appears as a dense RO 2.Alveolar crest: normal healthy AC located 1.5 to 2.0 mm apical to the CEJ of adjacent teeth Anterior AC appears pointed and sharp and is normally very RO Posterior AC appears flat, smooth, and parallel to a line between adjacent CEJ, and appears slightly less RO than anterior AC 3.Periodontal ligament space: normal PLS appears as a thin RL line between the root of the tooth and the LD In health, PLS is continuous around the root structure and is of uniform thickness The tissues that invest and support the teeth such as the gingiva and alveolar bone. The radiographic appearance of healthy alveolar bone: 1.lamina dura: In health, LD around the roots of the teeth appears as a dense RO 2.Alveolar crest: normal healthy AC located 1.5 to 2.0 mm apical to the CEJ of adjacent teeth Anterior AC appears pointed and sharp and is normally very RO Posterior AC appears flat, smooth, and parallel to a line between adjacent CEJ, and appears slightly less RO than anterior AC 3.Periodontal ligament space: normal PLS appears as a thin RL line between the root of the tooth and the LD In health, PLS is continuous around the root structure and is of uniform thickness Slide 23 Slide 24 With periodontal Disease, AC is no longer located 1.5 to 2.0 mm apical to the CEJ and no longer appears RO INSTEAD AC appears indistinct, and bone loss is seen Periodontal disease may result in severe destruction of bone and loss of teeth With periodontal Disease, AC is no longer located 1.5 to 2.0 mm apical to the CEJ and no longer appears RO INSTEAD AC appears indistinct, and bone loss is seen Periodontal disease may result in severe destruction of bone and loss of teeth Slide 25 Useful radiographical view PA with parallel technique and vertical BW radiograph are the film of choice for the evaluation of periodontal disease With the paralleling technique, the height of CB is accurately recorded in relation to the tooth root If the bisecting technique is used to expose PA radiographs, a dimensional distortion of bone is seen because of the vertical angulation used. As a result, PA films using the bisecting technique may appear to show more or less bone loss than is actually present The horizontal BW has limited use in the detection of periodontal disease; severe interproximal bone loss cannot be adequately visualized on horizontal BW radiographs The panoramic film has little diagnostic value in the identification of periodontal disease and is not recommended to demonstrate the anatomic features of this condition PA with parallel technique and vertical BW radiograph are the film of choice for the evaluation of periodontal disease With the paralleling technique, the height of CB is accurately recorded in relation to the tooth root If the bisecting technique is used to expose PA radiographs, a dimensional distortion of bone is seen because of the vertical angulation used. As a result, PA films using the bisecting technique may appear to show more or less bone loss than is actually present The horizontal BW has limited use in the detection of periodontal disease; severe interproximal bone loss cannot be adequately visualized on horizontal BW radiographs The panoramic film has little diagnostic value in the identification of periodontal disease and is not recommended to demonstrate the anatomic features of this condition Slide 26 Radiographs are especially helpful in the evaluation of the following points: Amount of bone present Condition of the alveolar crests Bone loss in the furcation areas Width of the periodontal ligament space Local initiating factors that cause or intensify periodontal disease a.Calculus b.Poorly contoured or overextended restorations Root length and morphology and the crown-to-root ratio Anatomic considerations a.Position of the maxillary sinus in relation to a periodontal deformity b.Missing, supernumerary, or impacted teeth Pathologic considerations a.Caries b.Periapical lesions c.Root resorption Amount of bone present Condition of the alveolar crests Bone loss in the furcation areas Width of the periodontal ligament space Local initiating factors that cause or intensify periodontal disease a.Calculus b.Poorly contoured or overextended restorations Root length and morphology and the crown-to-root ratio Anatomic considerations a.Position of the maxillary sinus in relation to a periodontal deformity b.Missing, supernumerary, or impacted teeth Pathologic considerations a.Caries b.Periapical lesions c.Root resorption Slide 27 Limitation of radiographs Radiographs may provide an incomplete presentation of the status of the periodontium 1.Radiographs provide a 2-dimensional view of a 3-dimensional situation. Because the radiographic image fail to reveal the 3- dimensional structure, bony defects overlapped by higher bony walls may be hidden Also, because of overlapping tooth structure, only the interproximal bone is seen clearly. However, subtle changes in the density of the root structure may indicate bone loss on the buccal or lingual aspect of the tooth 2.Radiographs typically show less severe bone destruction than is actually present. The earliest mild destructive lesions in bone do not cause a sufficient change in density to be detectable 3.Radiographs do not demonstrate the soft-tissue-to-hard- tissue relationships and thus provide no information about the depth of soft tissue pockets 4.Bone level is often measured from the CEJ; however, this reference point is not valid is situation in which either over eruption or sever attrition with passive erupted exists Radiographs may provide an incomplete presentation of the status of the periodontium 1.Radiographs provide a 2-dimensional view of a 3-dimensional situation. Because the radiographic image fail to reveal the 3- dimensional structure, bony defects overlapped by higher bony walls may be hidden Also, because of overlapping tooth structure, only the interproximal bone is seen clearly. However, subtle changes in the density of the root structure may indicate bone loss on the buccal or lingual aspect of the tooth 2.Radiographs typically show less severe bone destruction than is actually present. The earliest mild destructive lesions in bone do not cause a sufficient change in density to be detectable 3.Radiographs do not demonstrate the soft-tissue-to-hard- tissue relationships and thus provide no information about the depth of soft tissue pockets 4.Bone level is often measured from the CEJ; however, this reference point is not valid is situation in which either over eruption or sever attrition with passive erupted exists Slide 28 INTERPRETATION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE Bone Loss Radiograph view the amount of bone remaining rather than the amount of bone lost. However, in documenting bone levels, the amount of bone loss that has occurred is recorded rather than the amount of bone that remains The amount of bone loss can be estimated as the difference between the physiologic bone level and the height of remaining bone Bone Loss Radiograph view the amount of bone remaining rather than the amount of bone lost. However, in documenting bone levels, the amount of bone loss that has occurred is recorded rather than the amount of bone that remains The amount of bone loss can be estimated as the difference between the physiologic bone level and the height of remaining bone Slide 29 PATTERN The pattern of bone loss can be described as either horizontal or vertical. The CEJ of adjacent teeth can be used as a plane of reference in determining the pattern of bone loss present Horizontal bone loss occurs in a plane parallel to the CEJ of adjacent teeth Vertical bone loss (also known as angular bone loss), the bone loss does not occur in a plane parallel to the CEJ of adjacent teeth The pattern of bone loss can be described as either horizontal or vertical. The CEJ of adjacent teeth can be used as a plane of reference in determining the pattern of bone loss present Horizontal bone loss occurs in a plane parallel to the CEJ of adjacent teeth Vertical bone loss (also known as angular bone loss), the bone loss does not occur in a plane parallel to the CEJ of adjacent teeth Slide 30 Horizontal bone loss Vertical bone loss Slide 31 distribution Slide 32 Severity The severity of bone loss is measured as a percentage of loss of the normal amount of bone: a.Mild bone loss: crestal changes b.Moderate bone loss: bone loss of 10-33% c.Sever bone loss: bone loss of 33% or more The severity of bone loss is measured as a percentage of loss of the normal amount of bone: a.Mild bone loss: crestal changes b.Moderate bone loss: bone loss of 10-33% c.Sever bone loss: bone loss of 33% or more Slide 33 Classification of periodontal disease American Dental Association classified periodontal disease as follows: 1.ADA Case Type I (gingivitis) 2.ADA Case Type II (early periodontitis) 3. ADA Case Type III (moderate periodontitis) 4.ADA Case Type IV (advanced periodontitis). Radiographs can also be used to detect the contributing factors of periodontal disease, such as calculus and defective restorations. American Dental Association classified periodontal disease as follows: 1.ADA Case Type I (gingivitis) 2.ADA Case Type II (early periodontitis) 3. ADA Case Type III (moderate periodontitis) 4.ADA Case Type IV (advanced periodontitis). Radiographs can also be used to detect the contributing factors of periodontal disease, such as calculus and defective restorations. Slide 34 ADA CASE TYPE I There is no bone loss associated with type I disease (gingivitis), and therefore, no radiographic change in the bone is seen Slide 35 ADA CASE TYPE II Mild crestal changes Slide 36 ADA CASE TYPE III The bone loss about 10-33% The pattern of bone loss may be horizontal or vertical; the distribution may be localized or generalized. Furcation involvement, or the extension of periodontal disease between the roots of multi-rooted teeth, may also be seen with type III disease When the bone in the furcation area is destroyed, a radiolucent area is evident on the dental radiograph The bone loss about 10-33% The pattern of bone loss may be horizontal or vertical; the distribution may be localized or generalized. Furcation involvement, or the extension of periodontal disease between the roots of multi-rooted teeth, may also be seen with type III disease When the bone in the furcation area is destroyed, a radiolucent area is evident on the dental radiograph Slide 37 ADA CASE TYPE III Slide 38 ADA CASE TYPE IV The bone loss is severe about 33% or more Slide 39 Predisposing Factors for periodontal diseases a.CALCULUS b.DEFECTIVE RESTORATIONS a.CALCULUS b.DEFECTIVE RESTORATIONS Slide 40 CALCULUS Calculus appears RO on a dental radiograph Although calculus may have a variety of appearances, it most often appears as pointed or irregular RO projections extending from the proximal root surfaces Calculus appears RO on a dental radiograph Although calculus may have a variety of appearances, it most often appears as pointed or irregular RO projections extending from the proximal root surfaces Slide 41 CALCULUS Calculus may also appear as a ring-like RO encircling the cervical portion of a tooth, a nodular, or a smooth RO on a root surface Slide 42 DEFECTIVE RESTORATIONS Faulty dental restorations act as potential food traps and lead to the accumulation of food debris and bacterial deposits They can be detected both clinically and radiographically Radiographs show restorations with open or loose contacts, poor contour (Fig. 3126), uneven marginal ridges (Fig. 3127), overhangs (Fig. 3128), and inadequate margins (Fig. 3129), all of which may contribute to periodontal disease. Faulty dental restorations act as potential food traps and lead to the accumulation of food debris and bacterial deposits They can be detected both clinically and radiographically Radiographs show restorations with open or loose contacts, poor contour (Fig. 3126), uneven marginal ridges (Fig. 3127), overhangs (Fig. 3128), and inadequate margins (Fig. 3129), all of which may contribute to periodontal disease. Slide 43 Slide 44 Radiographical features of pulpal lesions 1.Pulpal sclerosis 2.Pulpal obliteration 3.Pulp stones 1.Pulpal sclerosis 2.Pulpal obliteration 3.Pulp stones Slide 45 Pulpal sclerosis Is a diffuse calcification of the pulp chamber and pulp canals of teeth that results in a pulp cavity of decreased size Pulpal sclerosis is associated with aging No clinical features are associated with pulpal sclerosis AND of little clinical significance unless endodontic therapy is indicated Is a diffuse calcification of the pulp chamber and pulp canals of teeth that results in a pulp cavity of decreased size Pulpal sclerosis is associated with aging No clinical features are associated with pulpal sclerosis AND of little clinical significance unless endodontic therapy is indicated Slide 46 Pulpal Obliteration Some conditions (attrition, abrasion, caries, dental restorations, trauma, and abnormal mechanical forces) may act as irritants to the pulp and stimulate the production of secondary dentin, which results in obliteration of the pulp cavity On a dental radiograph, a tooth with pulpal obliteration does not appear to have a pulp chamber or pulp canals Teeth with pulpal obliteration are non vital and do not require treatment Some conditions (attrition, abrasion, caries, dental restorations, trauma, and abnormal mechanical forces) may act as irritants to the pulp and stimulate the production of secondary dentin, which results in obliteration of the pulp cavity On a dental radiograph, a tooth with pulpal obliteration does not appear to have a pulp chamber or pulp canals Teeth with pulpal obliteration are non vital and do not require treatment Slide 47 Pulp Stones Pulp stones are calcifications that are found in the pulp chamber or pulp canals of teeth The cause is unknown Pulp stones appear as round, ovoid, or cylindrical RO; some pulp stones may conform to the shape of the pulp chamber or canal Pulp stones may vary in shape, size, and number. Pulp stones do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment Pulp stones are calcifications that are found in the pulp chamber or pulp canals of teeth The cause is unknown Pulp stones appear as round, ovoid, or cylindrical RO; some pulp stones may conform to the shape of the pulp chamber or canal Pulp stones may vary in shape, size, and number. Pulp stones do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment Slide 48 Slide 49 PERIAPICAL LESIONS Lesion that is located around the apex of a tooth The use of dental radiographs is particularly important in the identification of periapical problems On dental radiographs periapical lesions may appear either RL or RO Lesion that is located around the apex of a tooth The use of dental radiographs is particularly important in the identification of periapical problems On dental radiographs periapical lesions may appear either RL or RO Slide 50 Periapical RL S Periapical granuloma, cysts, and abscesses are common periapical RL that can be seen on dental radiographs These lesions cannot be diagnosed by their radiographic appearances alone; instead, diagnosis is based on the clinical features and radiographic and microscopic appearances Because it is impossible to distinguish between these three periapical lesions based on their radiographic appearance, the dental radiographer should refer to these lesions simply as periapical RL Periapical granuloma, cysts, and abscesses are common periapical RL that can be seen on dental radiographs These lesions cannot be diagnosed by their radiographic appearances alone; instead, diagnosis is based on the clinical features and radiographic and microscopic appearances Because it is impossible to distinguish between these three periapical lesions based on their radiographic appearance, the dental radiographer should refer to these lesions simply as periapical RL Slide 51 PERIAPICAL GRANULOMA Is a localized mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue at the apex of a non- vital tooth It results from pulpal death and necrosis and is the most common sequela of pulpitis A periapical granuloma may give rise to a periapical cyst or abscess. A tooth with a periapical granuloma is typically ASYMPTOMATIC but has a previous history of prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold Treatment include endodontic therapy or removal of the tooth along with curettage of the apical region On a dental radiograph a periapical granuloma is initially seen as a widened periodontal ligament space at the root apex. With time, the widened periodontal ligament space enlarges and appears as a round or ovoid RL, and LD is not visible between the root apex and the apical lesion Is a localized mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue at the apex of a non- vital tooth It results from pulpal death and necrosis and is the most common sequela of pulpitis A periapical granuloma may give rise to a periapical cyst or abscess. A tooth with a periapical granuloma is typically ASYMPTOMATIC but has a previous history of prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold Treatment include endodontic therapy or removal of the tooth along with curettage of the apical region On a dental radiograph a periapical granuloma is initially seen as a widened periodontal ligament space at the root apex. With time, the widened periodontal ligament space enlarges and appears as a round or ovoid RL, and LD is not visible between the root apex and the apical lesion Slide 52 Slide 53 PERIAPICAL CYST (radicular cyst) Lesion develops over a prolonged period of time; cystic degeneration takes place within a periapical granuloma and results in a periapical cyst Results from pulpal death and necrosis Periapical cysts are the most common of all tooth-related cysts and comprise 50 to 70% of all cysts in the oral region Periapical cysts are typically asymptomatic Treatment may include endodontic therapy or extraction of the tooth as well as curettage of the apical region On a dental radiograph the typical periapical cyst appears as a round or ovoid RL Lesion develops over a prolonged period of time; cystic degeneration takes place within a periapical granuloma and results in a periapical cyst Results from pulpal death and necrosis Periapical cysts are the most common of all tooth-related cysts and comprise 50 to 70% of all cysts in the oral region Periapical cysts are typically asymptomatic Treatment may include endodontic therapy or extraction of the tooth as well as curettage of the apical region On a dental radiograph the typical periapical cyst appears as a round or ovoid RL Slide 54 Slide 55 PERIAPICAL ABSCESS Is a localized collection of pus in the periapical region of a tooth that results from pulpal death. Periapical abscesses may be acute or chronic a.Acute periapical abscess has features of an acute pus-producing process and inflammation, may result from an acute inflammation of the pulp or an area of chronic infection, such as a periapical granuloma b.Chronic periapical abscess has features of a long-standing, low-grade, pus- producing process, may develop from an acute abscess or a periapical granuloma An acute periapical abscess is painful the pain may be intense, throbbing, and constant. The tooth is non vital and is sensitive to pressure, percussion, and heat. Early radiographic changes include an increased widening of the periodontal ligament space WHILE Chronic periapical abscesses are usually asymptomatic because the pus drains through bone or the periodontal ligament space. Clinically, a gumboil may be seen in the apical region of the tooth at the site of drainage. Appears as a round or ovoid apical RL with poorly defined margins, and LD cannot be seen between the root apex and the radiolucent lesion. Treatment includes drainage and endodontic therapy or extraction Is a localized collection of pus in the periapical region of a tooth that results from pulpal death. Periapical abscesses may be acute or chronic a.Acute periapical abscess has features of an acute pus-producing process and inflammation, may result from an acute inflammation of the pulp or an area of chronic infection, such as a periapical granuloma b.Chronic periapical abscess has features of a long-standing, low-grade, pus- producing process, may develop from an acute abscess or a periapical granuloma An acute periapical abscess is painful the pain may be intense, throbbing, and constant. The tooth is non vital and is sensitive to pressure, percussion, and heat. Early radiographic changes include an increased widening of the periodontal ligament space WHILE Chronic periapical abscesses are usually asymptomatic because the pus drains through bone or the periodontal ligament space. Clinically, a gumboil may be seen in the apical region of the tooth at the site of drainage. Appears as a round or ovoid apical RL with poorly defined margins, and LD cannot be seen between the root apex and the radiolucent lesion. Treatment includes drainage and endodontic therapy or extraction Slide 56 Slide 57 Periapical Ro s Condensing osteitis, sclerotic bone, and hypercementosis are a few of the common periapical RO that can be seen on dental radiographs Unlike periapical RLs, periapical ROs can be diagnosed based on their radiographic appearance, clinical information, and patient history Condensing osteitis, sclerotic bone, and hypercementosis are a few of the common periapical RO that can be seen on dental radiographs Unlike periapical RLs, periapical ROs can be diagnosed based on their radiographic appearance, clinical information, and patient history Slide 58 CONDENSING OSTEITIS (chronic focal sclerosing osteomyelitis) Is a well-defined RO that is seen below the apex of a non vital tooth with a history of long-standing pulpitis The opacity represents a proliferation of periapical bone that is a result of a low-grade inflammation or mild irritation; pulpal necrosis May vary in size and shape and does not appear to be attached to the tooth root The most common periapical RO observed in adults Most frequently involved is the mandibular 1 st molar Teeth associated with condensing osteitis are non vital and typically have a large carious lesion or large restoration Because condensing osteitis is believed to represent a physiologic reaction of bone to inflammation, no treatment is necessary Is a well-defined RO that is seen below the apex of a non vital tooth with a history of long-standing pulpitis The opacity represents a proliferation of periapical bone that is a result of a low-grade inflammation or mild irritation; pulpal necrosis May vary in size and shape and does not appear to be attached to the tooth root The most common periapical RO observed in adults Most frequently involved is the mandibular 1 st molar Teeth associated with condensing osteitis are non vital and typically have a large carious lesion or large restoration Because condensing osteitis is believed to represent a physiologic reaction of bone to inflammation, no treatment is necessary Slide 59 Slide 60 SCLEROTIC BONE (osteosclerosis or idiopathic periapical osteosclerosis) A well-defined RO that is seen below the apices of vital, noncarious teeth The cause of sclerotic bone is unknown; however, it is not believed to be associated with inflammation The lesion is not attached to a tooth and varies in size and shape The margins may appear smooth or irregular and diffuse The borders are continuous with adjacent normal bone, and no RL outline is seen Sclerotic bone is asymptomatic and is usually discovered during routine radiographic examination A well-defined RO that is seen below the apices of vital, noncarious teeth The cause of sclerotic bone is unknown; however, it is not believed to be associated with inflammation The lesion is not attached to a tooth and varies in size and shape The margins may appear smooth or irregular and diffuse The borders are continuous with adjacent normal bone, and no RL outline is seen Sclerotic bone is asymptomatic and is usually discovered during routine radiographic examination Slide 61 HYPERCEMENTOSIS Is the excess deposition 0f cementum on root surfaces Results from supra-eruption, inflammation, or trauma; sometimes there is no obvious cause Appear as an excess amount of cementum along all or part of a root surface The apical area is most often affected and appears enlarged and bulbous Root areas affected by hypercementosis are separated from periapical bone by a normal appearing PLS, & surrounding LD appears normal No signs or symptoms are associated with hypercementosis; most cases are discovered during routine radiographic examination Teeth affected by hypercementosis are vital and do not require treatment Is the excess deposition 0f cementum on root surfaces Results from supra-eruption, inflammation, or trauma; sometimes there is no obvious cause Appear as an excess amount of cementum along all or part of a root surface The apical area is most often affected and appears enlarged and bulbous Root areas affected by hypercementosis are separated from periapical bone by a normal appearing PLS, & surrounding LD appears normal No signs or symptoms are associated with hypercementosis; most cases are discovered during routine radiographic examination Teeth affected by hypercementosis are vital and do not require treatment Slide 62