Frequency and distribution of root-filled teeth and apical periodontitis in an adult population of Barcelona, Spain

Aim: To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the frequency of root canal treatment in a sample of Spanish adults. Design: A descriptive cross‐sectional study. Setting: Barcelona, Spain. Participants: A total of 397 adult subjects, 49% males and 51% females. Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs were used. Periapical status was scored according to the periapical index. Results were analysed statistically using the chi‐squared test and logistic regression. Results: Radiographic signs of AP in one or more teeth were found in 135 patients (34%). The prevalence of AP was significantly higher in males (42.3%) than females (26.1%) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.4–3.2; P = 0.0007]. At least one root‐filled tooth (RFT) was found in 233 patients (59%). Twenty‐six per cent of subjects with RFT had at least one RFT with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age (P