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Fibromyalgia and acute periapical abscesses
1Department of Endodontics and Periodontics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA, ilanrotstein@gmail.com.
American Journal of Dentistry
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Fibromyalgia patients have a significantly higher prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs). Early dental intervention is recommended to prevent complications in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting millions.
- Periapical abscesses (PAs) are serious dental infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of acute PAs in fibromyalgia patients.
- To assess the association between fibromyalgia and acute PAs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 2 million patient records from a nine-year period.
- Utilized ICD-10 codes to identify fibromyalgia and acute PAs.
- Calculated odds ratios and adjusted for comorbidities using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Patients with fibromyalgia had a 4.7 times higher odds of acute PAs.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for diabetes, nicotine dependence, and alcohol use disorders.
- Prevalence difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Fibromyalgia patients exhibit a higher prevalence of acute periapical abscesses.
- Increased dental surveillance for caries control and pulp disease prevention is advised.
- Clinicians should consider this association in patient management.
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