Apical root canal anatomy in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars: influence of root apical shape and prevalence of apical foramina - a micro-CT study

Author(s)

Ordinola-Zapata, R. ^{[1, 2]} ; Martins, J. N. R. ^[3] ; Niemczyk, S. ^[4] ; Bramante, C. M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Dent Sch, Dept Endodont, Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Minnesota, Sch Dent, Div Endodont, 515 Delaware ST SE, 8-166 Moos Hlth Sci Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55455 - USA

^[3] Univ Lisbon, Fac Med Dent, Dept Endodont, Lisbon - Portugal

^[4] Albert Einstein Med Ctr, Bender Div Endodont, Philadelphia, PA 19141 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Endodontic Journal; v. 52, n. 8, p. 1218-1227, AUG 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

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 mu m 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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/03695-0 - Analysis of the anatomy, shaping and disinfection procedures on roots by microcomputed tomography, rapid prototyping, optical and confocal microscopy study.
• Grantee: Ronald Ordinola Zapata
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral