Abstract
AIM: To determine whether a relationship exists between the apical shape of roots and root canal system complexity by performing a micro-computed tomography analysis.
METHODOLOGY: One hundred extracted permanent maxillary first molars were scanned using a micro-computed tomography device at 19.6 μm voxel size. Two groups of mesiobuccal roots were formed according to the root aspect ratio value in the apical 3-mm cross-sectional level ('<2 and ≥ 2.00'). Data were recorded regarding the number and presence of accessory canals and their location, isthmus, presence of the mesiobuccal canal and dentine thickness. Depending on the analysed variable, Mann-Whitney U test and Z-test for proportions were used to compare groups. The significant level was set at 5%.
RESULTS: Mesiobuccal roots with an aspect ratio ≥ 2.00 at the apical 3-mm cross-sectional level had higher percentages of accessory canals, apical foramina and MB2 root canals in the apical 3 mm. The vertical average distance from the accessory foramina and origin from the anatomic apex was 1.40 and 2.19 mm, respectively. Overall, 21.8% of the accessory canals had their origin coronal to a 3-mm root resection line. There was no difference between the groups regarding dentine thickness.
CONCLUSION: The shape of the apical 3 mm of maxillary first molar mesiobuccal roots was a predictive factor for the presence of complex root canal systems. Roots with a lower aspect ratio had less complex apical anatomy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1218-1227 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | International Endodontic Journal |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was supported by the Brazilian Funding Agency FAPESP (grant 2013/03695-0).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Keywords
- anatomy
- apex
- micro-computed tomography
- microsurgery
- root canal
- Prevalence
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Tooth Root
- Dental Pulp Cavity
- Molar
- X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article