Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
10:26
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
12.3K
Sexual Dimorphism in Apical Periodontitis Severity Detected by CBCT.
Lucas R A Estrela1, Carlos Estrela2, Mike R Bueno3
1Department of Endodontics, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Endodontics
|September 4, 2025
Summary
Apical periodontitis (AP) is more prevalent in women, but men exhibit larger bone loss lesions. This highlights significant sexual dimorphism in AP, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endodontology
- Oral Radiology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Apical periodontitis (AP) prevalence is known, but its association with bone loss, sex, and age requires further investigation.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and volumetric indices offer advanced assessment of AP and associated bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sex and age on the severity of apical periodontitis (AP).
- To correlate apical periodontitis severity with patient demographics and treatment factors using CBCT-PAI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1,027 teeth from 401 patients using CBCT scans and the CBCT-PAI.
- Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and robust Poisson regression to assess associations with AP, sex, age, and treatment quality.
Main Results:
- AP prevalence was higher in females (66.9%) than males (33.1%).
- Males showed a significantly higher prevalence of larger lesions (CBCT-PAI 4 and 5) compared to females.
- AP was more common in root-filled teeth with inadequate endodontic or coronal restorations.
Conclusions:
- While AP is more common in women, men present with more severe osteolytic lesions.
- Significant sexual dimorphism exists in AP pathophysiology, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
- Inadequate root canal fill and coronal restoration quality are associated with increased AP prevalence.
