Opinion
Endodontic Periapical Disease: A Virus-Based Perspective
1Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
2Department of Pathophysiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
3Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
4Department of Human Genetics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Received Date: June 29, 2019; Published Date: July 11, 2019
Abstract
There is a need for updating the current treatment modalities for periapical lesions of endodontic origin to reflect the contributions and potential morbidity from herpesvirus infection. Herpesviruses, particularly human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, play an important role in the symptomatic periapical lesion. Indeed, periapical lesions may remain stable and silent until they become symptomatic, possibly triggered by the activation of latent herpesviruses within the lesion itself. Given the potential for grave systemic conditions associated with herpesvirus infection, early detection and treatment decisions for periapical lesions by the dentist may positively affect a patient’s overall health; especially for the immunocompromised patient.
Keywords: Endodontic disease; Apical periodontitis; Herpesviruses; Classification
Abbreviations:RCT: Root canal treatment; HHV: Human Herpesvirus; EBV: Epstein-Barr Virus; HCMV: Human Cytomegalovirus; CBCT: Cone- Beam Computed Tomography
