Frequency and distribution of root-filled teeth and apical periodontitis in an adult population of Barcelona, Spain

Aim: To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the frequency of root canal treatment in a sample of Spanish adults. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Barcelona, Spain. Participants: A total of 397 adult subjects, 49% males and 51% females. Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs were used. Periapical status was scored according to the periapical index. Results were analysed statistically using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Radiographic signs of AP in one or more teeth were found in 135 patients (34%). The prevalence of AP was significantly higher in males (42.3%) than females (26.1%) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.43.2; P = 0.0007]. At least one root-filled tooth (RFT) was found in 233 patients (59%). Twenty-six per cent of subjects with RFT had at least one RFT with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age (P < 0.05). Patients with RFT showed a higher prevalence of AP (42%) relative to patients without RFT (23%) (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.53.7; P = 0.00013). Adjusting for age, gender and teeth number, endodontic status remained significantly associated with periapical status (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.43.6; P = 0.0005). Conclusions: Both the prevalence of AP and the frequency of root canal treatment are high among Spanish adults. AP affects more frequently RFT relative to untreated teeth. Patients with one or more RFT have a greater likelihood of having AP than patients without RFT.