Prevalence of Periapical Rarefying Osteitis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Rheumatology
• Oral Pathology

Background:

• The impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on apical periodontitis pathophysiology and healing remains unstudied.
• No prior research has investigated the association between RA, periapical rarefying osteitis (PAR), and endodontic treatment prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of PAR in individuals with RA.
• To assess the prevalence of root canal treatment in RA patients.
• To compare these prevalences with those in a control group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Full-mouth radiographs of 131 RA patients and 131 matched controls were analyzed.
• Data collected included tooth count, root canal filling status and quality, restoration quality, and periapical status.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of PAR was 4.0% in the RA group and 3.5% in the control group (P > .05).
• Root canal treatment prevalence was 6.2% in the RA group and 5.6% in the control group (P > .05).
• Individuals with RA had significantly fewer teeth than controls (P = .027).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of PAR and endodontic treatment did not differ significantly between RA patients and controls.
• RA does not appear to influence the occurrence of PAR or the need for endodontic therapy.