Aim: To describe and discuss changes in periapical and endodontic status in a general Danish population.
Methodology: In 1997, 616 randomly selected individuals had a full-mouth radiographic survey taken. In 2003, 77% of the participants attended for a new full-mouth radiographic examination. Information on endodontic treatment and periapical status was obtained. The periapical index (PAI) was used to assess apical periodontitis (AP).
Results: More participants had root filling(s) and AP in 2003 than in 1997. More teeth had AP and/or root fillings in 2003. Fewer of the root-filled teeth (RFT) had AP in 2003. Less than 3% of the teeth without root fillings (NRFT) that in 1997 had no AP, developed AP and/or received a root filling. Of the NRFT which in 1997 had AP, more than 35% still had AP and no root filling in 2003. Approximately, 30% of the NRFT with AP in 1997 received a root filling. Of the teeth that received a root filling, 40% had healed, whereas 60% had not. Approximately, 25% of the NRFT that in 1997 had AP had been extracted. In 1997 there were 618 RFT, 314 of the RFT had no AP in 1997. Almost 20% of the RFT that in 1997 were periapically sound, developed AP. Of the 304 RFT with AP in 1997, approximately 30% had healed, in 60% AP persisted, and 10% were extracted.
Conclusions: The present study indicates that caution must be exercised when statements on the outcome of root canal treatment are made based on the cross-sectional studies.