Three-dimensional Analysis of Mesiobuccal Root Canal of Japanese Maxillary First Molar Using Micro-CT

Abstract

The objective of this study was to three-dimensionally observe the morphological characteristics of mesiobuccal root canals of Japanese maxillary first molars using microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) and classify root canal variations. This study used 90 maxillary first molars. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed using data obtained by Micro-CT, and cross-sections of the root canals were observed. Moreover, the root canal morphology was classified by the configuration and root canal diameter, and was evaluated for occurrence using the classification by Weine et al. (1969) as a reference. Overall, single root canals were observed in 44.4%, incomplete separation root canals in 22.3%, and completely separate root canals (upper and lower separation root canals) in 33.3%. Mesiobuccal root canals often had intricate configurations, and accessory root canals (lateral canals and apical ramifications) were observed in most of the mesiobuccal root canals (76.7%), irrespective of whether there were ramifications of the main root canals. While there were no marked differences in the incidence of root canal ramifications between this study and earlier reports, the incidence of accessory root canals was higher in this study. This result may be explained by the far more superior visualization ability of Micro-CT than conventional methods, which allowed the detection of microscopic apical ramifications previously difficult to observe.

Effect of “Apical Clearing” and “Apical Foramen Widening” on Apical Ramifications and Bacterial Load in Root Canals

“…A high incidence of accessory canals and apical ramifications (76.7%) was found in the maxillary first molars 30) , and the morphology of the mesiobuccal root canal, in particular, shows wide variation. Treatment of the mesio-buccal canal is, therefore, very difficult, and various methods have been used to elucidate its morphology 30) . Therefore, in the present study, the mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars with a similar anatomy were chosen.…”

“…There are various methods for studying the morphology of human permanent teeth: use of radiographs 13) , cutting the teeth at different levels 28) , making polyester resin cast replicas of the pulp space 20) , clearing and injection of dye 27,29) , and micro-CT 30) . Since the apical ramifications are very small and extend from the main canal in a branching pattern, sectioning was selected here.…”

Morphologic Classification of Root Canals and Incidence of Accessory Canals in Maxillary First Molar Palatal Roots: Three-Dimensional Observation and Measurements using Micro-CT

“…1) 19,20) . For imaging, the samples were positioned in such a way that the tooth axis was perpendicular to the micro-CT sample stage.…”

Análisis mediante CBCT de la configuración anatómica de los orificios de la raíz mesial del primer molar maxilar en población colombiana / CBCT Analysis of the Anatomical Configuration of First Maxillary Molar Mesial Root Holes in Colombian Population

“…Los estudios anatómicos del primer molar superior han tomado tres direcciones: a) determinar la prevalencia y disposición de los conductos (11,(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20); b) evaluar la distancia interorificio MV1-MV2 (17,(21)(22)(23)(24); y c) evaluar la relación entre la distancia interorificio MV1-MV2 con la configuración del sistema de conductos radiculares (25). En la primera dirección se ha encontrado que la raíz MV cuenta con dos o más conductos en un rango del 56,8 % al 93,50 % y que la configuración más común es 2-2, seguida de la configuración 2-1 (17,21,22,24).…”