Radiolucent lesions that may resemble inflammatory periapical lesions: A review article

Hamad Albagieh; Mohammed Aldosari; Abdulmajeed Alkhathlan; Nawaf Alfawaz; Mohammed Almutairi

doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.11.003

Radiolucent lesions that may resemble inflammatory periapical lesions: A review article

Saudi Dent J. 2023 Dec;35(8):916-919. doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.11.003. Epub 2023 Nov 7.

Authors

Hamad Albagieh¹, Mohammed Aldosari², Abdulmajeed Alkhathlan², Nawaf Alfawaz², Mohammed Almutairi²

Affiliations

¹ Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
² College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Non-endodontic lesions (NEL) closely resemble lesions of endodontic origin. Its etiology can be odontogenic, non-odontogenic, neoplastic, or anatomic variations that can resemble inflammatory periapical lesions in the periapical area. Inflammatory periapical lesions are caused by pulpal pathoses and require endodontic treatment. Since numerous NEL may resemble inflammatory periapical lesions, they can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Thus, a detailed review of the patients' medical and dental histories with clinical examination, including radiographic findings, is essential for the proper assessment of periapical lesions. Numerous cases of misdiagnoses of NEL have been reported in literature. Thus, this review aimed to strengthen the awareness of clinicians on periapical radiolucency, which may resemble inflammatory periapical lesions.

Keywords: Cysts; Inflammatory periapical lesions; Misdiagnosis; Non-endodontic lesions; Radiolucent lesions.

Publication types

Review