Prevalence and Quality of Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Risk Factors

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and quality of endodontic treatment, by radiographically assessing the periapical periodontitis and endodontic treatment status in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. Patients who visited the Out Patient Department of Institute of Dental Sciences and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, from August 2021 to February 2022, for a check-up or dental problem were considered as participants in this study. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were enrolled on the Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST) IDS, BHUBANESWAR. After testing negative for COVID-19, patients' demographic details, such as age and gender were recorded, followed by a panoramic radiographic examination (OPG). A total sample of 408 patients were divided into three groups: Group 1/control (without any cardiovascular manifestation) consisting of 102 samples, group 2 of 222 CVR patients, and group 3 of 84 CVD cases. The CVR and CVD groups had a preponderance of elderly age groups between 60 to 70 years, with a significantly higher proportion of males. Co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with the CVR and CVD groups. From OPG interpretation, it was observed that the periapical radiolucency was greater in the CVR and CVD groups than in the control group (p = 0.009). The prevalence of endodontically treated teeth was higher in CVR and CVD than in the control group (p = 0.028). A high prevalence of dental caries, about 70%, was reported in all three groups (p = 0.356). The presence of dental restoration among all the groups was low (p = 0.079). The proportion of periodontal bone loss in the control group was significantly lower than CVR and CVD (p = 0.000). There was a strong association between periapical radiolucency, endodontically treated teeth, and periodontal bone loss in CVR and CVD patients. Notably, the associations reported herein do not reflect a cause-effect relationship; however, individuals with endodontic pathologies may accumulate additional risk factors predisposing them to hypertension or other CVDs. The results emphasize that eliminating local infections may decrease the systemic infection burden.