OBJECTIVE: To examine the periradicular status of crowned teeth in an adult population in Scotland. DESIGN: Examination of full-mouth periapical radiographs from 319 consecutive adult patients (7596 teeth) attending Glasgow and Dundee Dental Hospitals for clinical examination. METHODS: The periradicular status of teeth with a crown present was assessed to determine the presence of a radiolucency which may indicate pulpal disease. RESULTS: 63.3% (n = 202) of patients had at least one tooth that was crowned. The total number of crowns assessed was 802, of which 458 (57.1%) were vital preparations, and 87 (19.0%) of these had radiographic signs of periradicular disease. The majority of the teeth (62.0%) had distinct widening of the periodontal membrane space which is considered to be an early sign of periapical disease. 42.9% (n = 344) of the crowned teeth had previous root canal treatment of which 50.8% (175) had evidence of a periradicular radiolucency. CONCLUSIONS: Pulpal damage may occur during procedures to provide a crown which may require subsequent root canal treatment. Radiographic follow-up of crowned teeth should be undertaken routinely.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the periradicular status of crowned teeth in an adult population in Scotland. DESIGN: Examination of full-mouth periapical radiographs from 319 consecutive adult patients (7596 teeth) attending Glasgow and Dundee Dental Hospitals for clinical examination. METHODS: The periradicular status of teeth with a crown present was assessed to determine the presence of a radiolucency which may indicate pulpal disease. RESULTS: 63.3% (n = 202) of patients had at least one tooth that was crowned. The total number of crowns assessed was 802, of which 458 (57.1%) were vital preparations, and 87 (19.0%) of these had radiographic signs of periradicular disease. The majority of the teeth (62.0%) had distinct widening of the periodontal membrane space which is considered to be an early sign of periapical disease. 42.9% (n = 344) of the crowned teeth had previous root canal treatment of which 50.8% (175) had evidence of a periradicular radiolucency. CONCLUSIONS: Pulpal damage may occur during procedures to provide a crown which may require subsequent root canal treatment. Radiographic follow-up of crowned teeth should be undertaken routinely.