Garrit Koller

INTRODUCTION Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the destruction of periapical tissues due to the host's immune response to microbial infection in the root canal system (Nair, 2004). This prevalent oral disease affects an estimated 52% of individuals and 5% of teeth globally, posing a significant health burden (Tibúrcio-Machado et al., 2021). Given its prevalence and impact, accurate diagnosis of AP is crucial in dental practice.

INTRODUCTION Apical periodontitis (AP) is primarily an inflammatory response to contain infections spreading from the root canal space to the periapical tissues (Kakehashi et al., 1965). Systemic conditions may modulate AP prevalence and outcomes, necessitating tailored approaches in clinical management. The host response, governed by both innate and adaptive immunity, is central to the pathogenesis of AP (Nair, 2004).

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