In simple words: Chronic apical periodontitis is a long-term infection at the tip of a tooth root. It often has no symptoms but can cause bone loss around the tooth. Treatment might involve a root canal, removing the root tip, or pulling the tooth.

Chronic apical periodontitis is a persistent inflammatory lesion at the apex of a tooth root, typically resulting from untreated or inadequately treated dental pulp infection.It's characterized by a chronic inflammatory response, often asymptomatic, but potentially leading to bone resorption and radiographic changes.The pulp is usually necrotic.The condition may manifest as an apical granuloma or cyst. Treatment may involve root canal therapy, apicectomy, or tooth extraction.

Example 1: A patient presents with a non-vital tooth showing a radiolucency at the apex on a dental x-ray.They report no pain or discomfort.Diagnosis: Chronic apical periodontitis. Treatment: Root canal therapy., A patient experiences a dental abscess after root canal treatment, indicating persistent infection.Diagnosis: Recurrent chronic apical periodontitis. Treatment: Apicectomy (surgical removal of the root tip)., A patient with significant bone loss around a tooth and persistent infection unresponsive to root canal treatment. Diagnosis: Severe chronic apical periodontitis. Treatment: Tooth extraction.

** The diagnosis and treatment of chronic apical periodontitis may vary based on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health.