LEO control

LEO: ODONTOGENIC ENDODONTIC LESIONS – WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONTROL THEM?

The oral hygiene it does not only concern teeth and gums, but also the surrounding tissues.

Among the most common problems are EOLs (Endodontic Odontogenic Lesions, or Lesions of Endodontic Origin), which appear as radiolucencies on X-rays, at the root tips of teeth, caused by infection or necrosis of the dental pulp. Although they can be asymptomatic and become chronic, they are likely to develop into more serious infections. For this reason, specialist examination is essential.

What are LEOs?

Odontogenic Endodontic Lesions are bone pathologies adjacent to tooth roots that manifest following endodontic problems, such as:

Dental abscesses;

Granulomas;

– Radicular cysts;

– Bone resorption due to chronic infections.

These lesions are the product of an infection arising from pulp necrosis, meaning the death of the internal tooth tissue due to deep cavity, trauma, fractures, cracks, or incomplete root canal treatments.

A specialist check-up is important because...

Many patients do not notice the presence of a localised empyema because these lesions often do not cause obvious symptoms until the infection worsens or becomes acute. Undergoing a specialist examination allows for:

1. Prevent serious complications

If left untreated, LEOs can develop into acute infections, with a risk of abscesses, intense pain, and swelling.

2. Avoiding tooth loss

Early identification of an endodontic lesion allows for conservative treatments, such as root canal therapy, to be performed, thus avoiding tooth extraction.

3. Maintain general health

Untreated dental infections can spread to surrounding tissues or, in more severe cases, to the rest of the body, causing systemic complications.

The pathogenic microorganisms present in these tissues can easily migrate to other parts of the organism and compromise them as well, for example by exploiting the bloodstream.

How is the control of LEOs carried out?

A thorough evaluation is always essential by means of:

– Specialist clinical examination;

– Intraoral and panoramic radiographs, with possible support from Cone Beam, to identify any apical radiolucencies; it is also very useful to be able to compare recent X-rays with previous ones, so always keep your X-rays as they can be important.

Dental vitality testing to assess the state of the dental pulp.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include endodontic therapy (root canal treatment), surgical removal of the lesion, or other personalised solutions to safeguard the tooth and oral health.

When to undergo a check-up?

It is recommended to have a specialist dental check-up every six months, and in particular in the presence of symptoms such as:

– Persistent or throbbing toothache;

– Swelling or localised redness of the gums;

– Increased sensitivity to heat or cold;

– Fistula or pus discharge near a tooth;

– Presence of a lesion detected via X-ray.

Many guidelines recommend preoperative dental screening in patients awaiting elective cardiovascular surgery, precisely to minimise infectious complications from these procedures. https://www.asso-odontoiatria.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SCREENING-DENTALE-PER-CHIRURGIA-CV.pdf

Prevention is the first step to oral health. If you have any suspicious symptoms or desire a thorough endodontic check-up, our team is available for a specialist assessment. Book your appointment and take care of your health and your smile with the utmost professionalism and attention.

Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Do LEOs always cause pain? 

No, LEOs are often asymptomatic and are only identified through routine X-rays. However, if the infection worsens, pain, swelling, and other symptoms may occur.

2. How do I know if I have an LEO?

The only way to diagnose them with certainty is a specialist dental visit with radiographic examinations. Some warning signs can include persistent pain, tooth sensitivity, gum swelling and fistulas with pus discharge.

3. Do LEOs heal on their own?

No, a dental abscess does not heal on its own. If left untreated, it can worsen over time, causing more serious infections or tooth loss.

4. What are the treatments for LEOs?

Treatment depends on the severity of the lesion and may include endodontic therapy (root canal treatment), surgical removal of the lesion, or, in more severe cases, tooth extraction.

5. Is it possible to prevent eye infections?

Yes, good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and timely treatment of cavities and dental trauma reduce the risk of developing OME.

6. How often should I have a check-up to prevent LEO?

It is recommended to have dental check-ups at least every six months, even if there are no symptoms, to detect any problems early on.

7. If I have a LEO, must the tooth always be extracted?

No, in most cases the tooth can be saved with adequate endodontic treatment. Extraction is only necessary in the most severe cases, when the damage is too extensive or the tooth cannot be recovered.

8. Can LEOs cause general health problems? 

Yes, if left untreated, endodontic infections can spread to the surrounding tissues and, in more severe cases, to the rest of the body, increasing the risk of systemic complications.

9. If I don't have symptoms, do I still need to get checked for LEO?

Yes, as many EOLs are asymptomatic, regular check-ups are essential to identify any problems before they become serious.

10. What is the best way to avoid endodontic problems?

Maintaining good daily oral hygiene, undergoing regular check-ups, and promptly addressing cavities or dental trauma helps prevent ORO (Oral Lesions and Ulcers) and other dental conditions.