The global prevalence of apical periodontitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Background Apical periodontitis (AP) frequently presents as a chronic asymptomatic disease. To arrive at a true diagnosis, in addition to the clinical examination, it is mandatory to undertake radiographic examinations such as periapical or panoramic radiographs, or cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thus, the worldwide burden of AP is probably underestimated or unknown. Previous systematic reviews attempted to estimate the prevalence of AP, but none have investigated which factors may influence its prevalence worldwide. Objectives To assess: (i) the prevalence of AP in the population worldwide, as well as the frequency of AP in all teeth, nontreated teeth and root filled teeth; (ii) which factors…