Apical periodontitis as an aggravating factor for the severity of rheumatoid arthritis: An animal study.

Aim: The present study investigated the influence of apical periodontitis (AP) on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a Wistar rat model.

Methodology: Forty male Wistar rats were distributed across four groups (n = 10) based on the induction of RA and AP: Control, RA, AP, and RA + AP. RA was induced through two immunisations with type II collagen emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, followed by one immunisation with complete Freund's adjuvant.