Radiodensitometric measurements in cases of chronic periapical changes of endodontically treated teeth

The purpose of the paper was radiodensitometric evaluation of hard tissues of roots and alveolar bone of endodontically treated teeth with clinically detected chronic periapical inflammatory changes. The material consisted of 139 digital intraoral radiograms of endodontically treated teeth with chronic periapical changes: 54 teeth with granulomatous inflammation, 62 with fibrous changes and 23 teeth with purulent lesions. There was discussed the value of digital radiography and radiodensitometric measurements in cases of periapical inflammations of endodontically treated teeth. It was concluded that radiodensitometric measurements allowed detailed examinations of inflammatory changes at the apices of endodontically treated teeth. Digital radiography is a valuable and objective tool in diagnosis of periapical changes, monitoring of the course of endodontic treatment as well as in follow-up after such treatment. At the same time it allows reduction of ionising radiation dose, thus decreasing diagnostic risks to a patient.