Prevalence Rate of Endodontic-Periodontic Lesion in Young versus Adult Patients: A Comparative Analysis.
Athul Babu, Aparajita Saha, Saurabh Prakash Vairagade, Ajay Kumar, Ashtha Arya, Deepashri Arvind Tekam, Rashmita Nayak
Abstract
Open AccessBackground: Endodontic-periodontic (EP) lesions represent a challenging dental condition that involves both pulp and periodontal structures. These lesions demand a collaborative approach between endodontic and periodontal disciplines. While their etiology and clinical management have been well documented, age-related differences in prevalence and severity remain underexplored. Aim: This study aims to compare the prevalence and severity of EP lesions in young adults (18-30 years) versus adult patients (31-50 years) to identify age-related trends and contributing factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted on 70 patients-35 in each age group. Clinical and radiographic examinations were used to diagnose EP lesions. The severity of each lesion was scored using a standardized 4-grade scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0), with Chi-square and t-tests for group comparisons, and regression analysis to evaluate confounding factors such as smoking and oral hygiene. Results: EP lesions were more prevalent and severe in the adult group compared to the younger group. Grade 3 and 4 lesions were more frequently observed in adults, correlating with poorer oral hygiene and a higher incidence of risk factors like smoking and previous periodontal disease. Young patients primarily exhibited Grade 1 and 2 lesions, often associated with trauma or acute infections. Conclusion: The findings suggest that age significantly influences the prevalence and progression of EP lesions. Adults are more prone to advanced-stage lesions due to accumulated risk factors and systemic influences. These insights highlight the need for age-specific diagnostic and preventive strategies in managing EP lesions.