Relationship of Maxillary Molar Root Angulation and Palatal Vault Height

Abstract

If the vertical angulation of maxillary molar roots could be reliably predicted, this might affect the choice of roots resection procedures. In an attempt to develop this prediction, angulation of palatal roots was compared to palatal vault height. Human cadaveric maxillae with molars were sectioned faciopalatally through each tooth root to the palatal midline and photographed. Root angles and palatal height were measured on the photographs in relation to a reference line connecting buccal and palatal cementoenamel junctions (CEJ). Palatal vault heights were classified as low, medium, or high according to the perpendicular distance from the midpalatal suture to the reference line. Root angles were subtended by a line following the length of pulp canals and perpendicular to the CEJ reference. Analysis by Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient demonstrated a weak nonsignificant relationship between palatal vault height and the angulation of the various maxillary molar roots. Thus, palatal vault height would not be a reliable predictor of root angulation if this were to be used as a basis for root retention.