Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
10:26
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
12.5K
Clinicopathological study of periapical scars
Yi-Pang Lee1, Ming-Jay Hwang1,2, Yang-Che Wu3,4
1Department of Dentistry, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.
Journal of Dental Sciences
|September 6, 2021
Summary
Periapical scar (PS) is a healing process after endodontic treatment. This study found PSs present as persistent, asymptomatic radiolucent lesions, suggesting conservative follow-up may be appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Radiology
Background:
- Periapical scar (PS) represents an alternative healing process following endodontic therapy.
- It involves the formation of scar tissue in the periapical region.
- This study investigates the characteristics of PSs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of periapical scars (PSs).
- To identify common diagnostic indicators for PSs.
- To inform treatment strategies for persistent periapical radiolucencies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical, radiographic, and histopathological data.
- Evaluation of 7 cases diagnosed with periapical scar.
- Correlation of treatment history with lesion characteristics.
Main Results:
- Periapical scars were observed in both maxilla and mandible, frequently affecting incisors and molars.
- Most patients were asymptomatic with a history of endodontic treatment or surgery.
- Radiographically, PSs appeared as persistent, well-defined radiolucent lesions.
- Histopathology revealed dense fibrous collagenous tissue, sometimes with foreign material like amalgam.
Conclusions:
- Periapical scars exhibit distinct clinical and radiographic features.
- A well-defined, persistent, asymptomatic periapical radiolucency, post-endodontic treatment, may indicate a PS.
- Conservative management with close follow-up is a potential strategy for diagnosed PSs.
