Prevalence of Apical Periodontitis, Alveolar Bone Loss, and Root-Filled Teeth Among Olympic Athletes

To assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP), alveolar bone loss (ABL), and the frequency of root-filled (RF) teeth in athletes, digital panoramic radiographs were obtained from 617 athletes (57.5% males; 42.5% females) with a mean age of 25.4 years (±2.8), evaluating 15.239 teeth. AP was classified using the Periapical Index (PAI). ABL was recorded when bone loss exceeded one-third of root length in more than two teeth. The RF teeth and periapical status were also recorded. Intra-examiner agreement was high (Kappa = 0.87). AP was found in 209 (33.9%) of athletes and 357 (2.3%) of teeth; 89 (42.6%) had multiple lesions. RF teeth were present in 226 (36.6%) of individuals; 189 (52.9%) of these showed AP. Additionally, 168 (47.1%) of AP cases were in non-RF teeth. ABL was detected in three participants (0.49%). AP was prevalent among Olympic athletes, in both RF and non-RF teeth, indicating high endodontic treatment needs.