ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine radiographically the prevalence of periapical periodontitis in teeth restored with crown in a Senegalese population. Full mouth periapical radiographs were obtained from 208 consecutive adult patients (6234 teeth) presenting as new patients to the Dental Service of the University. The presence of crown restorations, the periapical status and technical quality of root fillings associated were evaluated. 7.69% (n = 16) of patients had at least one tooth that was crowned. The total number of crowns assessed was 0.95% (n = 59). The molars were the teeth most crowned 40.67% (n = 24) followed by anterior teeth 30.50% (n = 18) and premolars 28.81% (n = 17). All the crowned teeth had previous root canal treatment of which only 16.94% (n = 10) were acceptable. 53 % (n = 32) of the teeth had apical periodontitis (PAI > 2). Unacceptable root fillings were associated with a higher prevalence of periapical disease (p < 0.05). Crown with a post extending more than 4 millimetres from the apex were associated with more periapical lesions 64.28% (p < 0.05). The results indicate a low prevalence of crowned teeth, an absence of vital preparation, a high prevalence of radiographic periapical disease and unacceptable root fillings associated.
