• Chalermkwan Phuvoravan D.D.S., M.Sc. (Endodontics)

Apical actinomycosis is believed to be a nonresolving periapical lesion. The main bacterial
species which implicate in extraradicular infections are Actinomyces and Propionibacterium propionicum.
Actinomyces has been identified in the body of periapical lesion and in the infected root canal, which
is the primary port of entry. These micro-organisms show ability to invade and establish themselves in
the periapical tissues. This review article mainly focuses on the mechanisms of pathogenicity of
Actinomyces species which play a role in the etiology of apical actinomycosis, as well as incidence,
diagnosis, histopathology, therapeutic measure to manage this disease and prevention.

(CU Dent J. 2012;35:141-48)