Relationship between aging and root canal calcification
Keywords:
CALCIFICACIONES DE LA PULPA DENTAL; ENFERMEDADES DENTALES; ENVEJECIMIENTO; TRATAMIENTO DEL CONDUCTO RADICULAR. ; DENTAL PULP CALCIFICATION; TOOTH DISEASES; AGING; ROOT CANAL THERAPY. ; CALCIFICAÇÕES DA POLPA DENTÁRIA; DOENÇAS DENTÁRIAS; ENVELHECIMENTO; TRATAMENTO DO CANAL RADICULAR.Abstract
Introduction: root canal calcification represents a growing endodontic challenge, associated with aging and with implications for therapeutic planning.
Objective: to describe the relationship between age and prevalence of root canal calcifications, analyzing their distribution across age groups.
Methods: a systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in different databases, using an algorithm with keywords and boolean operators to identify relevant sources. The selected studies, after applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, were critically evaluated in terms of timeliness, methodological quality, and thematic relevance, and coherently integrated into the final synthesis of the review.
Development: the results show a progressive increase in calcifications with age: from about 25 % in individuals under 30 years to up to 55–60 % in those over 60–70 years. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies confirm the significant association between aging and calcification formation, linked to physiological changes in dental tissues and pulpal microcirculation. Some investigations report gender differences, with higher prevalence in women, although not consistently. Methodological variability explains discrepancies in percentages, but the overall trend is clear: age constitutes the main risk factor.
Conclusions: early identification of root canal calcifications is essential to optimize endodontic treatments in older adults. The evidence supports the need for advanced diagnostic strategies and preventive approaches adapted to age.
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