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Abstract
This study in cadavers showed that a radiolucency usually indicated inflammation, but inflammation did not always lead to radiolucency.
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Barthel CR, Zimmer S et al. J Endodon 2004; 30: 75–79
In this study, radiographs were used to identify 65 filled roots in 26 cadavers. Each tooth was then radiographed more accurately. Block sections were then made of roots with surrounding tissues. However, 12 specimens were unsuitable or unmatchable, and 53 were examined. Histological evaluation was by 1 operator, and radiographic assessment by 2. Apical radiolucency was present on 16 roots, widened periodontal ligament on 9 and normal appearance on 28. Respectively, histological inflammation was present on 13, 5 and 9 of these roots.
The odds ratio for histological inflammation when radiolucency was present was 9.2 (P = 0.002); for lack of inflammation with a radiographically good coronal seal, it showed a trend towards significance at 3.7 (P = 0.053). The authors comment that for more than 30% of inflammation-associated roots, no radiolucency was detected. There was no detectable relationship between unfilled lateral canals and inflammatory status.
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Relationship of radiologic and histologic signs of inflammation in human root-filled teeth. Br Dent J 196, 463 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811183
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811183