In vitro incidence of root canal bifurcation in mandibular incisors by radiovisiography

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to verify, in vivo and in vitro, the prevalence of root canal bifurcation in mandibular incisors by digital radiography.Material and Methods:Four hundred teeth were analyzed for the in vivo study. Digital radiographs were taken in an orthoradial direction from the mandibular incisor and canine regions. The digital radiographs of the canine region allowed visualizing the incisors in a distoradial direction using 20° deviation. All individuals agreed to participate by signing an informed consent form. The in vitro study was conducted on 200 mandibular incisors positioned on a model, simulating the mandibular dental arch. Digital radiographs were taken from the mandibular incisors in both buccolingual and mesiodistal directions.Results:The digital radiography showed presence of bifurcation in 20% of teeth evaluated in vitro in the mesiodistal direction. In the buccolingual direction, 17.5% of teeth evaluated in vivo and 15% evaluated in vitro presented bifurcation or characteristics indicating bifurcation.Conclusions:Digital radiography associated with X-ray beam distally allowed detection of a larger number of cases of bifurcated root canals or characteristics of bifurcation.

Root and Canal Morphology of Permanent Mandibular Incisors

“…Inojosa et al, intending to observe the anatomical nuances of dental elements, performed radiographs in different positions, but this method is not complete because of the limitations of radiographic images. Okumura (1927) used the technique of diaphanization and impregnation with India ink, being the first to classify canals according to their anatomical distribution, and several researchers have adopted this approach (Hwang & Min;Al-Quadah et al;Kabak & Abbot;de Oliveira et al;Scarlatescu et al, 2010;Alemeida-Gomes et al, 2011;Al-Fouzan et al).…”

“…Successful endodontic treatment requires an accurate knowledge of the root canal anatomy and morphology, and that the canals are instrumented, disinfected and properly filled (de Oliveira et al, 2009;Al-Fouzan et al, 2012).…”

“…The bifurcation is involves the termination of the canals in an independent manner, in other words, presenting independent foramina (Hwang & Min, 2005;de Oliveira et al).…”

“…Usually, teeth with partial bifurcation that are submitted to endodontic treatment have the filling of one of the canal's sealing the end of the other canal. In contrast, in teeth with full bifurcation, where there is the presence of two foramina, one canal without filling can lead to failure of the endodontic therapy (Al-Qudah & Awawdeh, 2006;de Oliveira et al).…”

Complex Apical Anatomy Revealed Following Endodontic Treatment of a Maxillary Molar Using the GentleWave System: A Case Report

“…Studies show that 29.4% of maxillary molars have lateral canals and 20.2% of distal roots in molars exhibit isthmuses [36][37][38][39]. These lateral canals and isthmuses are nearly impossible to instrument and can only be cleaned by effective antimicrobial irrigation.…”