Radiographic appearance of artificially prepared periapical lesions confined to cancellous bone

Summary. Twenty artificial periapical lesions confined to cancellous bone were prepared at the apices of first and second mandibular molars of human cadavers. The lesions emphasized removal of the lamina dura and preparation of a 'halo' lesion surrounding the root apex, plus the addition of a simulated sclerotic border. Radiographs taken before and after creation of the lesions were scored by three examiners for detectable lesions Cross-sections of the lesions were assessed for the extent of bone destruction. Periapical lesions confined to cancellous bone were detected in 80 per cent of cases, and the presence of a sclerotic border tended to enhance visualization, although not in all cases. Intentional cortical involvement also improved detection of lesions. The anatomical features of the periapical area appear to promote the visualization of lesions which might not be detected in other locations.