Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Primary Molars: A Micro-CT Study

Abstract

Objectives: Frequency of typical and non-typical root and canal morphology of primary teeth, which in clinical practice cannot be detected using 2D radiographic images, should be known by clinicians to decrease failures arising from complexity of root canal morphologies. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate morphologic variations in mandibular primary molars' root canal systems. Materials and Methods:Primary mandibular 1 st (n=17) and 2 nd (n=33) molars were scanned using micro-CT. 3D root models were obtained and root canal morphologies were evaluated according to a modified Vertucci classification. Type 1 and Type 4 canal morphologies were evaluated as 'normal' and all other types and 'non-typical' canal morphology were evaluated as 'abnormal' root canal morphology.Results: Most common root canal morphology among mandibular primary 1 st molars were Vertucci Type 4 morphology for both mesial and distal roots (47% and 41.2% respectively), and non-typical morphology for both the mesial and distal roots (45.7% and 21.2% respectively) of mandibular primary 2 nd molars. Conclusions:Wide range of morphologic variations and frequency of non-typical morphology could be seen especially among mandibular primary 2 nd molars and use of disinfectant irrigants and root canal fillings with high antibacterial efficacies are important in order to decrease failures arising from these inaccessible areas.

The Smear Layer Removal Efficiency of Different Concentrations of EDTA in primary teeth: A SEM Study

“…7,19 In addition to the disadvantages of the smear layer, accessory canals in primary roots and the physiological root resorption process cause the unsuccess conditions in endodontic treatment. 14,[20][21][22] Moreover, the difficulties of accessing these areas such as mentioned anatomical variations, ramifications, lateral branches and incomplete seal of the antibacterial filling material increase the need for removal of this layer, especially in primary molar teeth which have more narrow and divergent root canals. 5,6,8,14 Therefore, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation materials on smear layer removal in primary teeth in this study.…”

“…It is known that the root canal morphology are quite variable especially in primary molars, and exist numerous ramifications, accessory and lateral canals and branches. 14,[20][21][22]27 In order to ensure that the mentioned variations do not affect the results and to provide the standardization, the use of single rooted upper primary incisors was preferred in the present study. In addition, the increasing opening/widening of apical foramen with physiological root resorption 28 and the inaccessibility problems to apical region are observed in primary teeth.…”

Evaluation of the Apical Sealing Associated With Maxillary First Molars Radicular Morphology Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…Incomplete detection of all the root canals leading to untreated canals has been reported as a major cause of failure in root canal therapy. 17 According to Sjogren et al 18 the apical sealing limit of root canals is more critical than the technique or sealant used. When the obturation reached 0 to 2 mm from the radiographic apex, 94% of clinical success was achieved while when the dimension was greater than 2 mm, the success this rate was reduced to 68% and 76% when the canal was overfilled.…”

Ten Years of Micro-CT in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Literature Overview

“…It was used in a study aimed to design and realize a method for analyzing the geometrical characteristics of human root canals, calculated by a self-implemented image evaluation algorithm [80]. It was applied to evaluate morphology [81][82][83], microcrack formations [84,85], root fractures [86], the presence of voids in oval root canals filled with different root canal sealers [87]. It was considered to assess the efficacy of methods for removing root filling materials or for cleaning the canal [88,89], the influence of endodontic cavities on the preservation of the original root canal anatomy after shaping with nickel-titanium rotary instruments [90], and the correlation between geometric parameters of root filled teeth and the fracture resistance [91].…”