Root canal morphology of maxillary permanent first molar teeth at various ages

The root canal anatomy and pulp chamber morphology of 216 maxillary permanent first molar teeth of known age was examined using a radiographic technique after infusion of the root canal system with a radiopaque sodium iothalontate gel. This technique proved to be a rapid and effective method for the examination of root canal morphology and is recommended when root canal anatomy needs to be examined before further investigations are carried out. Over 95% of palatal and disto-buccal roots contained a single root canal. The mesio-buccal root was more complex. All types of configurations were seen. Only 26% of mesio-buccal roots showed a single canal. The pulp canal in all roots appeared to narrow at an early age. In the mesio-buccal root, a definite two-directional calcification pattern was apparent in most teeth by the age of 10. The rate of progress of root formation was very variable. There was no apparent relationship between the type of canal system in the mesio-buccal root and the type of canal orifice present. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the pulp chamber was trapezoidal in 81% of teeth.     

Root and canal morphology of maxillary first and second permanent molar teeth in a Ugandan population

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary molar teeth from a Ugandan population. METHODOLOGY: Maxillary first (n = 221) and second molar (n = 221) teeth were collected from patients attending dental clinics in Kampala. Teeth were prepared using a clearing technique: the pulp chambers were accessed and the teeth placed consecutively into 5% sodium hypochlorite, 10% nitric acid, then methyl salicylate. Indian ink was injected into the pulp chambers to demonstrate the canal system. RESULTS: In the first molars, 95.9% of the teeth had separate roots. The mesiobuccal root was fused with the palatal root in 3% of specimens and with the distobuccal root in 0.5% of teeth. In the second molars, 86% of the teeth had separate roots. The mesiobuccal root was fused with the palatal root in 6.3% of specimens and with the distobuccal root in 6.8% of teeth. Apical deltas were more frequent in the mesiobuccal root when compared with distobuccal and palatal roots of both the first and second molars. A type I canal configuration (>75%) was the most frequent in all the roots of both the first and second molars. Canal intercommunications and lateral canals were more frequent in the mesiobuccal root when compared with other roots. CONCLUSIONS: The mesiobuccal root tended to have more variations in the canal system followed by the distobuccal root, whereas the palatal root had the least. The findings in root and canal morphology of this Ugandan population were different from previous studies, which may partly be attributed to racial differences.     

The root and root canal morphology of the human mandibular first premolar: a literature review

The purpose of this study was to undertake a comprehensive literature review of the root and root canal morphology of the mandibular first premolar. Published studies citing the anatomy and morphology of mandibular premolars report data for over 6,700 teeth. These studies were divided into anatomical studies reporting number of roots, number of canals, and apical morphology. Variations because of sex and ethnic background have also been reported, along with case reports of anomalies. Approximately 98% of the teeth in these studies were single-rooted. The incidence of two roots was 1.8%. Three roots when reported were found in 0.2% of the teeth studied. Four roots were rare and were found in less than 0.1% of the teeth studied. Studies of the internal canal morphology revealed that a single canal was present in 75.8% of the teeth. Two or more canals were found in 24.2% of the teeth studied. A single apical foramen was found in 78.9% of the teeth, whereas 21.1% had two or more apical foramina. The role of genetics and racial variation may result in differences of incidence of root number and canal number in human populations. The dental literature is not unique in studying ethnicity and sex variations. Higher incidences of teeth with additional canals and roots have been reported in Chinese, Australian, and sub-Sahara African populations. Physical anthropology studies seem to show the lowest incidence in Western Eurasian, Japanese and American Arctic populations. The root and root canal morphology of this tooth can be complex and requires careful evaluation prior to root canal therapy.     

Root canal therapy of a maxillary first molar with five root canals: case report

This paper reports the case of a maxillary left first molar that presented three root canals in the mesiobuccal root. Root canal therapy and case management are described. Features like wide crown access, adequate illumination and use of exploring files where important for successful completion of the endodontic treatment.     

Aberrant root canal morphology in a maxillary second molar

A bstract — Abberations in root canal morphology of maxillary permanent molars often occur as collateral mesio-buccal canals and, less commonly, as separate root canals in divergent palatal roots. This case report describes a right maxillary second molar with both types of anomaly common to the maxillary first molar and a collateral disto-palatal canal in a thirteen-year-old girl suffering severe pain in the right maxilla. Removal of discoloured dentine found beneath two amalgam restorations disclosed necrotic tissue in the pulp chamber and the disto-palatal canal. Finally, endodontic therapy was required for six root canals.     

Root canal morphology of the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars: a micro-computed tomographic analysis

Aim  To investigate ex vivo , the root canal morphology of the MB root of maxillary first molar teeth by means of micro-computed tomography.
Methodology  Thirty extracted intact human maxillary first molar teeth were selected for micro-tomographic analysis (SkyScan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium) with a slice thickness of 38.0 μm. The following data regarding the MB root were analysed and recorded: number and type of root canals, prevalence of isthmuses, prevalence of intercanal connections, presence of accessory canals, presence of loops and number of apical foramina.
Results  The MB2 canal was present in 80% of specimens and was independent in 42% of these cases. When present, the MB2 canal merged with the MB1 canal in 58% of cases. Communications between the two canals were found in all specimens, with isthmuses in 71% of the cases. These communications and isthmuses were respectively in 42% and 54% of the cases in the coronal third, in 59% and 79% of the cases in the middle third and in 24% and 50% of the cases in the apical third. A single apical foramen was found in 37% of specimens, two apical foramina were present in 23% of the cases, with three or more separate apical foramina occurring in 40% of the specimens.
Conclusions  The MB root canal anatomy was complex: a high incidence of MB2 root canals, isthmuses, accessory canals, apical delta and loops was found.     

Root canal systems of the mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of south Asian Pakistanis

AIM: The purpose of the present ex vivo study was to investigate variations in the root canal systems of mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis. METHODOLOGY: The root canal systems of a sample of 30 mandibular and 30 maxillary first permanent molar teeth extracted from South Asian Pakistanis were studied using a clearing technique. RESULTS: The mesial roots of the mandibular molar teeth typically presented with two canals (97%) of type II, IV or VI configuration. The distal roots of these teeth presented with a single canal (50%) of type I or V configuration or with two canals (50%) of type II, IV or VI. The prevalence of four root canals in two-rooted mandibular first permanent molar teeth was 47%. In maxillary molar teeth the mesial roots with a single canal (47%) were type I or type V; those with two canals (53%) were type II, IV or type VI. The distal and palatal roots that presented as a single canal (100%) were type I or type V configuration. The prevalence of four root canals in three-rooted maxillary first permanent molar teeth was 53%. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that four root canals in mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis is a common occurrence. The distribution of the different configurations of root canal systems in this population differed from that in Caucasian groups, suggesting that variations in root canal systems may be attributed to racial divergence.     

Root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth in a Ugandan population

We investigated root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Ugandan population. Mandibular first (n = 224) and second (n = 223) molars were collected from patients visiting dental clinics in Kampala and prepared by a clearing technique. An endodontic access cavity was prepared in each tooth. The teeth were consecutively immersed in 5% sodium hypochlorite, 10% nitric acid, and 99% methyl salicylate. India ink was coronally injected into the pulp chamber and withdrawn apically by suction. The teeth were viewed under a magnifying lens and the numbers of root canals and their configurations, lateral canals, intercanal communications, and multiple apical foramina were recorded, along with the number of roots and their morphology. Student’s t test for independent samples was used to assess significant differences in the root canal system. All specimens were two-rooted with one mesial and one distal root. Root fusion was more frequent in the second than in the first molar: 3.2% versus 0.4%. Vertucci type IV canal configuration was most frequently recorded in the mesial root of the first (44.6%) and second (49.8%) molars. Type 1 canal configuration was predominant in the distal root in first (84.8%) and second (94.2%) molars. Multiple apical foramina were more frequent in the first than in the second molar, as were intercanal communications and lateral canals. Type I and IV canal configurations were predominant in the distal and mesial roots, respectively, of both the first and second molars.     

Root canal morphology of the mesiobuccal root in maxillary first molars of a Jordanian population

This in vitro study investigated the presence of second (MB2) root canals and the number of apical foramina found in mesiobuccal roots of the permanent maxillary first molars; in addition, the study evaluated the effectiveness of magnification to detect MB2 canals. One hundred extracted maxillary first molars were collected from Jordanian patients. The number of roots (as well as their morphology) was investigated. The number of canal orifices in mesiobuccal root was assessed, with and without magnification, and findings were compared. The number of apical foramina and the distance between mesiobuccal and second canal orifices were investigated under magnification. Of the 97 specimens that were subject to additional investigation, all teeth had three separated roots, except for three specimens that had either mesiobuccal or distobuccal roots fused with the palatal root. The number of MB2 canals that were detected increased from 55 (56.7%) to 61 (62.9%) teeth when magnification was used. Within the limits of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the Jordanian population had a high percentage of MB2 canals in the mesial buccal roots. Moreover, the use of clinically used magnifying devices increased the number of MB2 canals detected.     

C-shaped root canal in a maxillary first molar: a case report

AIM: This case report presents an unusual C-shaped root canal system in a maxillary first molar tooth. SUMMARY: Although C-shaped root canals are most frequently seen in the mandibular second molar, they may also appear in maxillary molars. A literature search revealed only a few case reports of C-shaped root canal systems in maxillary molars. The present case describes a C-shaped canal in the buccal root of a maxillary first molar. The endodontic access cavity displayed two canal orifices, one leading to the canal system in the buccal root, the other into the palatal root canal system. In the buccal root, what appeared to be the mesial and distal canals joined to form a single C-shaped canal. KEY LEARNING POINTS:--Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth is essential.-- The location and morphology of root canals should be identified at high magnification under the microscope.     

Root canal morphology of the maxillary first premolar.

Four hundred maxillary first premolars were decalcified, injected with dye, cleared, and studied. The canal configurations were categorized as: 26% had one canal, 69% had two canals, and 5% had three canals at the apex. The relationship of canal configuration to number of roots per tooth was determined. Of the canals studied, 49.5% had lateral canals. They occured equally in all types of canals, were located mainly in the apical region, and exited from the main canal mostly in a palatal direction. Also, 11% of these canals extended from the floor of the pulp chamber to the furcation area. An accurate knowledge of the morphology of the pulp cavity is essential before endodontic procedure can be approached rationally. The frequency with which root canals unite should be considered during enlargement and filing procedures. The dentist also should be aware of the possible existence of bifurcated and double canals if root canal therapy should unexplainbly fail. A knowledge of these variations will assist the dentist in reaching conclusions when diagnosing and treating endodontic cases.     

Root canal anatomy of maxillary first and second permanent molars

AIM: The aim of this investigation was to study the root canal anatomy of maxillary first and second molar teeth from an Irish population sample using a clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-three extracted permanent maxillary right first molars and 40 permanent right maxillary second molars were included in this investigation. The specimens were demineralized and then cleared using methyl salicylate. The following observations were made: number of roots, prevalence of fusion, types of root canals using Vertucci's classification, presence and position of lateral canals, presence and position of transverse anastomoses, number and position of apical foramina and the frequency of occurrence of apical deltas. RESULTS: Eleven per cent of maxillary first molars and 43% of maxillary second molars had fused roots. A total of 78% of mesiobuccal roots in maxillary first and 58% in maxillary second molars had two canals. Sixty-two per cent of maxillary first and 50% of maxillary second molars had two apical foramina. There was a significant inverse relationship between age and the occurrence of two canals and between age and the occurrence of transverse anastomoses in both tooth morphotypes (P < or = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that a significant proportion of the first and second molar specimens studied had two canals in the mesiobuccal root (78% and 58%, respectively) and that the occurrence of two canals and transverse anastomoses decreased significantly with increasing age.     

The root and root canal morphology of the human mandibular second premolar: a literature review

The objective was to review thoroughly the literature of the root and root canal morphology of the human mandibular second premolar and compare the results with the mandibular first premolar. Published studies cite the anatomy and morphology of the mandibular second premolar tooth for more than 7700 teeth. These studies were divided into anatomic studies reporting the number of roots, number of canals, and apical anatomy. Differences caused by gender and ethnicity have also been reported. Individual case reports of anomalies were included to demonstrate the extreme range of variation. Almost all of the teeth in the anatomic studies were single-rooted (99.6%). The incidence of 2 roots (0.3%) and 3 roots (0.1%) was extremely rare. Anatomic studies of the internal canal morphology found that a single canal was present in 91.0% of the teeth. A single apical foramen was found in 91.8% of the teeth. The incidence of more than 1 root (0.4%), more than 1 canal system (9.9%), and more than 1 foramen (8.2%) is lower than that of the mandibular first premolar tooth (2.0%, 24.2%, and 21.1%, respectively). However, the root and root canal morphology of the mandibular second premolar can be extremely complex and requires careful assessment.     

Root canal treatment in an unusual maxillary first molar: a case report

AIM: The aim of this clinical article is to describe the unusual anatomy that was detected in a maxillary first molar during routine endodontic treatment. SUMMARY: Success in root canal treatment is achieved after thorough cleaning and shaping followed by the complete obturation of the root canal system. Such treatment may be performed in root canal systems that do not comply with the normal anatomical features described in standard textbooks. The present case describes root canal treatment in a maxillary first molar with two roots and a type IV canal configuration in the buccal root. KEY LEARNING POINTS Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth is essential. Root canal treatment is likely to fail if the entire system is not debrided and filled. Anatomic variations can occur in any tooth.     

不同方法探查上颌第一恒磨牙根管口的研究

目的 :比较临床上不同探查方法探查根管口的效率。方法 :采用肉眼观察 (上颌位 )、肉眼观察 (直视位 )、放大镜观察、# 15K型锉探查、牙科手术显微镜观察研究 80个离体上颌第一恒磨牙的髓腔系统。结果 :上颌第一恒磨牙近颊根有较高的多根管口率 ,五种方法多根管口的发现率分别为 :30 %、30 %、30 %、5 1.2 % ,6 6 .2 % ,K型锉和牙科手术显微镜多根管发现率与前三种方法比较差异有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,K型锉与牙科手术显微镜多根管发现率差异无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。手术显微镜还发现远颊根双根管口率为3.75 %。结论 :上颌第一恒磨牙根管系统复杂。临床使用小号K型锉能发现绝大部分根管口 ,而使用牙科手术显微镜对于完善的根管治疗术是有益的。     

Retrieval of a foreign object from the palatal root canal of a permanent maxillary first molar: A case report.

A 12-year-old boy presented with a fractured sewing needle within the palatal root canal of a nonvital permanent maxillary first molar. The patient admitted that he had often placed a sewing needle in the tooth to relieve discomfort associated with it. A minimal amount of tooth structure was removed around the foreign object to facilitate access for K-type files. Under copious irrigation, the files were worked around the object to loosen it. The fractured needle was removed with a tweezers that had long, narrow beaks. Use of this simple technique allowed the object to be removed from the root canal with minimal damage to internal tooth structure.     

使用手术显微镜对上颌第一磨牙近中颊侧第二根管应用解剖的研究

目的：使用手术显微镜（operating microscope,OM）研究上颌第一磨牙近中颊侧第二根管口（MB2）形态和解剖位置关系，为根管治疗时寻找根管口提供解剖学依据。方法：采用UNIVERSA300/FS2012手术显微镜，观察110个上颌第一磨牙的MB2根管口形态及其发生率。结果：上颌第一磨牙的MB2出现率为38%；根管口的形态为圆形和卵圆形。结论：使用手术显微镜可以有效地发现MB2。