Methods: Fourthy-six insulin dependent diabetics (Type I diabetes mellitus), 40 non-insulin dependent diabetics (Type II diabetes mellitus) participated in the study. The control group consisted of 50 non-diabetics. The mean age values were 30,9±11.50, 43,1±9.82 and 30.6±10.57 yr old respectively. The radiographic examination was made by taking periapical radiographs of subjects under standardized conditions. From 136 individuals were clinically and radiographically examined, and the frequency of number of existing teeth, of endontically treated teeth, periapical lesions, carious lesions and restorations were assessed.
Results: No significant differences were found between type I, type II diabetics and non-diabetics in the mean number of decayed (DS), filled teeth surfaces (FS), endontically treated teeth, periapical lesions. There were significant differences between type I, type II diabetics and non-diabetics in the mean number of missed teeth surfaces (MS) and existing teeth.
Conclusions:In view of these findings diabetes mellitus does not seem as a risk factor for periapical lesions and dental lesions as long as the disease is well controlled.