Endodontic status of mandibular premolars and molars in an adult Swedish population. A longitudinal study 1974-1985.

The purpose of the investigation was to study the incidence of endodontic treatment and the progression of periapical disease in an adult Swedish population. A random sample was selected in 1974 and offered a clinical and radiographic examination. In 1985, 345 of the original 1302 persons received a follow-up examination. The present study was based on information obtained from radiographs of the mandibular premolar and molar regions at the two examinations. The highest increase in people with endodontically treated teeth from 1974 to 1985 and the highest increase in people with periapical lesions were found in the youngest age-group, born between 1945 and 1954. New endodontic treatment, received between 1974 and 1985, was mostly found among those who already had endodontically treated teeth in 1974. New periapical lesions also appeared more often in persons with endodontic disorders in 1974.