Dental radiographic changes in individuals with COVID-19: a controlled retrospective study

Objective The aim of this study is to compare the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 dental radiological fndings of individuals with positive rRT-PCR test results and with healthy controls using the apical periodontitis grade scale (APGS), radiographic-based periodontal bone loss (R-PBL), and radiographic DMFT indices, and to investigate the relatively longterm dental efects of COVID-19. Methods This study included people who had two panoramic radiographs taken between 2018 and 2022. There are 52 patients with positive rRT-PCR tests in the study group. The control group included 50 individuals. Study and control groups were compared using the apical periodontitis grade scale (APGS), radiographic-based periodontal bone loss (R-PBL), and radiographic DMFT indices. Results Although results showed a signifcant diference in percentage R-PBL value and R-PBL types in the study group, there was no signifcant diference in percentage R-PBL value and R-PBL types in the control group. Also, both groups showed a signifcant diference in the DMFT index. Conclusions According to the results of this study, it can be said that COVID-19 increases the incidence of periodontitis, and it can be interpreted that the pandemic may adversely afect the general oral health of all people.