Incidence and configuration of canal systems in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first and second molars

The anatomy of the mesiobuccal (MB) root of 51 maxillary first and 32 maxillary second molars was studied. Initially, an attempt was made to locate all canals using a standard access and hand instruments. A bur was next used carefully to locate any additional second mesiobuccal (mesiolingual (ML)) canals. Finally, after crown removal, the teeth were reduced horizontally in 1-mm increments and examined by microscope. A second ML canal was located in the coronal half of 95.2% of the roots: by hand instruments in 54.2%; bur in 31.3%; and microscope in 9.6%. There were no root perforations when the bur was used as described. The ML canal orifice averaged 1.82 mm lingual to the MB canal orifice. The difference in incidence of ML canals between the first and second molars was not statistically significant. The canal systems were type 1, 4.8%; type 2, 49.4%, and type 3, 45.8%.     

离体上颌第一、二磨牙在釉牙骨质界截面的牙体硬组织厚度测量

目的观察上颌第一、二磨牙在釉牙骨质界(cemento-enamel junction,CEJ)的截面几个方向的牙体厚度。方法25个离体的上颌第一磨牙,22个上颌第二磨牙。从CEJ横断牙冠,将截面图象输入计算机中,用photoshop6.0软件测量牙面到髓腔的距离,方向分别是颊、腭、近中、远中、近中颊、远中颊、近中腭、远中腭。结果在CEJ平面厚度最小处是上颌第二磨牙的近中(平均2.55mm),最厚处是上颌第一磨牙近中舌(平均3.34mm),总体看以近中颊、远中颊、进中舌、远中舌部位相对较厚。结论本研究强调了在釉牙骨质界平面测量牙体厚度对于牙体预备的价值。     

磨牙髓腔解剖研究及其临床意义

对４００个磨牙开髓部位、髓室底形态、根管口分布、根管数目、牙齿长度等进行初步研究，特别对上颌磨牙近中颊根形状与极管数目的关系作了分析，将髓室底形态归纳为４种类型；上颌磨牙分为３类６型、下颌磨牙分为３类４型，上颌磨牙近中颊根双根管的发生率第一磨牙为４０％，第二磨牙为２３％。     

The influence of the surgical operating microscope in locating the mesiolingual canal orifice: a laboratory analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of using the surgical operating microscope (SOM) for detection of the mesiolingual (ML) canal orifice in extracted first maxillary permanent molars. One hundred and eight human first maxillary permanent molars were randomly selected and mounted onto a dental chair mannequin. Conventional access cavity was prepared and an attempt was made to locate the mesiolingual canal orifice using only a sharp explorer, a mirror and a #10 K-file. A mesiolingual canal orifice was either located or not located. If not located, the teeth were then evaluated by using a surgical operating microscope (SOM). The mesiobuccal roots of all teeth where the ML canal orifice had not been located were sectioned in an axial plane and the sections were explored with an adjunctive use of the SOM at a 25 X magnification. ML canal orifices were detected in 58 teeth using only a sharp explorer, a mirror and #10 K-file. In the remaining 50 teeth, 37 ML canal orifices were located by using the SOM and 3 ML canal orifices were located after root sectioning. In 10 teeth, the ML canal orifices were not found. The results of this study showed a high incidence of a ML canal in the mesiobuccal roots of the first maxillary molars (90.7%) and demonstrated that the adjunctive use of the SOM increased the ability of the dental clinician to locate the ML canal orifice.     

上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管口的解剖定位

目的　寻找上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管 (MB2 )根管口的定位规律。方法　收集离体上颌第一、二磨牙共 5 5 0颗。根管显微镜 (DOM)下探查根管口 ,拍摄髓底图片 ,测量髓底一系列参数 ,分析MB2根管口定位规律。结果　DOM下MB2发现率在上颌第一磨牙和第二磨牙分别为 78.2 4 %和 4 1.32 %。MB2根管口位于MB P根管口连线的近中 ,与该连线的垂直距离在上颌第一磨牙和第二磨牙分别为 0 .6 6mm和 0 .6 3mm ;距近颊根主根管 (MB)根管口距离分别为 1.32mm和 1.2 1mm。结论　建议临床医生在探查上颌磨牙髓底时 ,可在MB P根管口假想连线的近中、距其 0 .5～ 1.0mm ,距MB根管口 1.0～ 2 .0mm ,使MB MB2根管口间假想的、微凸向近中的弧形连线与近中边缘嵴平行处寻找MB2根管口。     

A study of the distobuccal root canal orifice of the maxillary second molars in Chinese individuals evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography

As is commonly understood, the root canal morphology of the maxillary molars is usually complex and variable. It is sometimes difficult to detect the distobuccal root canal orifice of a maxillary second molar with root canal treatment. No literature related to the distobuccal root canals of the maxillary second molars has been published.

Objective

To investigate the position of the distobuccal root canal orifice of the maxillary second molars in a Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and methods

In total, 816 maxillary second molars from 408 patients were selected from a Chinese population and scanned using CBCT. The following information was recorded: (1) the number of root canals per tooth, (2) the distance between the mesiobuccal and distobuccal root canal orifice (DM), (3) the distance between the palatal and distobuccal root canal orifice (DP), (4) the angle formed by the mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal root canal orifices (∠ PDM). DM, DP and ∠ PDM of the teeth with three or four root canals were analyzed and evaluated.

Results

In total, 763 (93.51%) of 816 maxillary second molars had three or four root canals. The distance between the mesiobuccal and distobuccal orifice was 0.7 to 4.8 mm. 621 (81.39%) of 763 teeth were distributed within 1.5-3.0 mm. The distance between the palatal and distobuccal orifice ranged from 0.8 mm to 6.7 mm; 585 (76.67%) and were distributed within 3.0-5.0 mm. The angle (∠ PDM) ranged from 69. 4º to 174.7º in 708 samples (92.80%), the angle ranged from 90º to 140º.

Conclusions

The position of the distobuccal root canal orifice of the maxillary second molars with 3 or 4 root canals in a Chinese population was complex and variable. Clinicians should have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the maxillary second molars.     

显微CT法研究上颌第一磨牙根管系统解剖形态

目的 使用显微CT研究上颌第一磨牙根管系统解剖形态.方法 随机收集33颗上颌第一磨牙,使用显微CT扫描后重建根管系统.观察并记录各牙根根管形态和分支根管的发生数目、位置.记录各根管口位置并测量根管口间的距离和所成角度.在距离根尖1、2和3mm处进行虚拟切割,记录断面上分支根管暴露情况.结果 上颌第一磨牙近颊根第二根管发生率为75.76%.近颊根发生分支根管为71.64%;近颊根分支根管发生率为72.73%.91.04%的分支根管发生于根尖1/3段,近颊根距根尖3mm处截面分支根管暴露率为12.12%.近颊根第一、第二根管口间的距离为(1.60±0.41)mm.结论 上颌第一磨牙根管系统解剖形态复杂,近颊根根管形态存在较大解剖变异.     

The root and root canal anatomy of maxillary molars in a Chinese population

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the prevalence of fused roots, C-shaped roots, C-shaped root canal orifices and C-shaped root canals in the maxillary molars of a Chinese population. A total of 305 first molars and 309 second molars were collected in Taiwan. The teeth were demineralized and placed in methyl salicylate to make them transparent. Root fusion was examined and the pulp chamber floor was checked for C-shaped orifices. Chinese ink was then injected into the root canal system to demonstrate possible C-shaped canals. The maxillary first molars had the palatal root fused with the mesiobuccal root in 0.3% of the cases, and with the distobuccal root in 2.0%. Teeth with C-shaped roots existed in only 0.3% of maxillary first molars, while 6.2% of the maxillary first molars and 40.1% of the maxillary second molars had fused roots. The maxillary second molars had the palatal root fused with the mesiobuccal root in 18.1% and with the distobuccal root in 2.6%; the palatal root was fused with the mesiobuccal and distobuccal root in 8.1% of the material. The maxillary second molars had a C-shaped root in 4.5% and C-shaped root canal orifices with C-shaped root canals in 4.9% of the cases. Fused roots or incompletely separated roots are common in the maxillary second molars amongst Chinese people, while C-shaped roots and root canals in maxillary molars are not frequently seen.     

A preliminary in vitro study of the incidence and position of the root canal isthmus in maxillary and mandibular first molars

AIM: To investigate in vitro the incidence and position of the root canal isthmus in extracted mesiobuccal roots of maxillary and mesial roots of mandibular first molars. METHODOLOGY: Fifty maxillary and 50 mandibular molars were included in the study. The mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars and the mesial roots of mandibular molars were sectioned from their crowns in the furcation region and embedded in clear resin. Transverse serial 1-mm-thick sections from the apical 6 mm were prepared. The apical side of each section was stained with India ink and observed through a light microscope. The sample images were saved to disk using a digital camera and the root canals in terms of the number present and the incidence and classification of isthmuses. RESULTS: In the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molars, 70% had one canal, whereas 29.5% had two canals. In the mesial root of mandibular molars, 41% had one canal, whereas 59% had two canals. In some sections, more than two canals were found close to the apical foramen. The isthmus incidence was greatest 3-5 mm from the apex. In teeth having two canals, a complete or partial isthmus was frequently observed in the sections between 3 and 4 mm from the apex. Of the isthmuses present, 22% were complete and 37% partial in mandibular molars and 17.3% were complete and 11.7% partial in maxillary molars. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of isthmus in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molars and in the mesial root of the mandibular first molars was high, particularly in sections 3-5 mm from the apex. Cleaning the isthmus is a major challenge during root canal treatment.     

Proximity of Vascular Bone Channel in the Lateral Sinus Wall to Root Apices of Maxillary First Molars: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

IntroductionApical surgery is frequently indicated in maxillary first molars. Occasionally, a vascular anastomosis in the lateral maxillary sinus wall can be observed during surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the distance between the vascular bone channel (VBC) and the root apices of maxillary first molars using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging.MethodsCone-beam computed tomographic images of 104 maxillary first molars were oriented in the coronal plane to evaluate the distance between the roots and the VBC. The measurements were only recorded in relation to the buccal roots. In addition, demographic parameters and further measurements such as the diameter of the VBC and the proximity to the periapical pathology were evaluated.ResultsA total of 210 VBCs were assessed. The mean distance from the VBC to the apices of the buccal roots of the maxillary first molars was 6.18 mm ± 3.84 mm. The VBC was mostly located intrasinusally (74.3%) and only rarely superficially (0.5%). The diameter of the VBC was on average 0.88 ± 0.32 mm.ConclusionsIn this study, the VBC was usually found closer to the mesiobuccal than to the distobuccal root apex. During preparation of the access window, the existence of the VBC should be kept in mind because the mesiobuccal roots of maxillary first molars undergo apical surgery to the buccally positioned roots only.     

Root and canal morphology of Thai maxillary molars

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of 268 maxillary permanent molars collected from an indigenous Thai population. METHODOLOGY: The cleaned teeth were accessed, the pulp dissolved by sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication, and the pulp system injected with Indian ink. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate. The following observations were made: (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per root; (iii) root-canal configuration in each root using Vertucci's classification with additional modifications; and (iv) presence and location of lateral canals and intercanal communications. RESULTS: All the maxillary first and second molars had three separate roots. Only, half (51%) of the maxillary third molars had three separate roots; the other half had fused or conical roots. The majority of the distobuccal (98.1-100%) and palatal (100%) roots had type I canals. Over half of the mesiobuccal roots of first (65%) and second (55%) molars had two canals. The most common (44.2%) canal configuration in mesiobuccal roots of first molars was type IV (two canals, two foramina). A variety of canal types were found in the mesiobuccal roots of second molars. Maxillary third molars showed the greatest diversity of canal morphology. There was an increase in the prevalence of lateral canals towards the apical part of the roots and intercanal communications were present in 16% of each of first, second and third Thai maxillary molars. CONCLUSIONS: The mesiobuccal roots of Thai maxillary molars possessed a variety of canal system types. Over 50% of the first molars had a second mesiobuccal canal. The palatal and distobuccal canals mainly had type I canals. Only, a small proportion (7.3-13.3%) of the roots exhibited lateral canals which were the most common in the apical third     

Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Maxillary Molars in a Brazilian Population Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Imaging: An In Vivo Study

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze and characterize root canal morphology of maxillary molars of the Brazilian population using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

Methods

Patients referred for a CBCT radiographic examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning were enrolled in the study. A total of 620 healthy, untreated, fully developed maxillary first and second molars were included (314 first molars and 306 second molars). The following observations were recorded: (1) number of roots and their morphology, (2) number of canals per root, (3) fused roots, and (4) primary variations in the morphology of the root canal systems.

Results

First and second molars showed a higher prevalence of 3 separate roots, mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal, with 1 canal in each root (52.87% and 45.09%, respectively). Two canals in the mesiobuccal roots represented 42.63% of teeth, whereas mesiobuccal roots of second molars presented 2 canals in 34.32%. The most common anatomic variation in the maxillary first molar was related to the root canal configuration of the mesiobuccal root, whereas the root canal system of the maxillary second molar teeth showed more anatomic variables.

Conclusions

Mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molar teeth had more variation in their canal system than the distobuccal or palatal roots. The root canal configuration of the maxillary second molars was more variable than the first molars in a Brazilian population. CBCT imaging is a clinically useful tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.     

Clinical detection of the minor mesiobuccal canal of maxillary first molars

One hundred extracted maxillary first molars from a South East Asian population were sectioned at a level below the roof of the pulp chamber. The detection of the minor mesiobuccal canal was determined on the pulpal floor using a size 08 file. When the canal was not detected by this technique, its presence or absence was then determined by sectioning the mesiobuccal root transversely, and the position of the extra canal was explored from the cut end. It was found that by modifying the outline of the access cavity, and by widening and deepening the groove running palatally from the major mesiobuccal canal up to a depth of 0.5 mm and a distance of 2.0 mm, the visibility of the extra mesiobuccal canal orifice was greatly improved. This study showed that more than 50% of maxillary first molars had a minor mesiobuccal canal, and 19% of these canals could not be detected clinically.     

Frequency of second mesiobuccal canals in maxillary molars as determined by use of an operating microscope: a clinical study

Operating microscopes have recently been introduced to facilitate treatment of surgical and nonsurgical endodontic cases. The aim of this study was to determine in an in vivo clinical study if the use of an operating microscope would increase the number of second mesiobuccal canals located and obturated in maxillary first and second molars. Two hundred maxillary first and second molars treated with the aid of a microscope were evaluated. The number of second mesiobuccal canals that could be negotiated and obturated within 4 mm of the apex was recorded. Thirty percent of all maxillary molars had a negotiable second mesiobuccal canal. Evaluated separately, 33.1% of the maxillary first molars and 24.3% of the second molars had a negotiable second mesiobuccal canal. Results indicated that use of a surgical microscope did not increase the number of second mesiobuccal canals located, compared with those reports where access preparations were modified and the microscope was not used.     

Evaluating the potential key factors in assessing the morphology of mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first and second molars

The purpose of this study was to provide further information on the morphology of the root canals and pulp chambers of 100 maxillary first and 100 maxillary second molars, with particular reference to the anatomical relationship of the root canal patterns and the distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) orifices. Each transverse section was digitally imaged to measure the interorificial distance using a stereomicroscope. The angles of primary curvatures were determined in both buccolingual (clinic view, CV) and mesiodistal (proximal view, PV) directions and the canal configuration of the MB root was classified according to the Weine classification. The rhomboidal pulp chamber floor morphology predominated in each tooth type. The mean interorificial distance in both maxillary first and second molars was significantly shorter in type II compared with type III (P < 0.05). The interorificial distance was correlated with the primary curvature of MB canal in PV in maxillary first molars (P < 0.05), whereas the primary curvature of ML canal in CV was correlated with the primary curvature of ML canal in PV in maxillary second molars (P < 0.01). The evaluation of interorificial distance in both types of maxillary molars and the curvature of ML canal in CV in maxillary second molar can give valuable information to the clinician.     

上颌第二恒磨牙近中颊根第二根管的离体牙研究

目的研究上颌第二恒磨牙近中颊根第二根管（MB2）的发生情况,为提高上颌第二恒磨牙根管治疗的成功率提供解剖学基础。方法于山东地区收集离体上颌第二恒磨牙118颗,采用斜方型开髓洞型开髓,利用小号C型锉探查并疏通根管,记录MB2的发现率及扩通率;拍摄X线牙片,记录近中颊根的根管数目、形态和类型;在根管显微镜下观察并应用数显卡尺测量近中颊根主根管和MB2根管口之间的距离,确定根管口的位置;记录近中颊根的根尖孔数目,并测量解剖根尖孔至解剖根尖的距离。结果118颗上颌第二恒磨牙中,有58颗发现MB2,发现率为49.15%;其中48颗牙齿的MB2被扩通,扩通率为82.76%。108颗3根牙中,近中颊根的根管形态为Ⅰ型者有50颗,占46.30%;Ⅱ型及Ⅲ型者分别为14和34颗,占12.96%和31.48%。近中颊根主根管口与MB2根管口的平均距离为1.26 mm;近中颊根解剖根尖孔至解剖根尖的距离平均值为1.13 mm。结论山东地区上颌第二恒磨牙MB2的发现率较高,临床治疗中采用改良的斜方型开髓孔有利于发现MB2,用X线片确定工作长度时需要结合临床综合判断根尖孔的位置。     

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.     

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.     

Remaining root dentin thickness in mesiobuccal canals of maxillary first molars after attempted removal of broken instrument fragments

The aim was to measure the minimal thickness of the remaining canal wall dentine in the mesiobuccal roots of maxillary first molars using a virtual model to simulate the attempt to remove fractured instruments. Thirty‐seven molars were scanned by micro‐computed tomography. The application framework for the simulation of the attempt to remove a broken instrument was constructed. The staging platform was created and followed by the use of ultrasonic tips to trephine dentine around the fragment to reveal the coronal 1.5 mm. The minimum canal wall thickness in the mesiobuccal roots was then measured. The concavity groove was found on all the distal aspects of the mesiobuccal root. The minimum thickness of the remaining canal wall distally to the canal was significantly thinner than mesially to the canals when sizes 25/0.06 and 25/0.02 instruments were broken at 3 and 5 mm away from the canal orifice. When the sizes 20/0.02 and 25/0.06 instruments were broken at 5 mm away from the canal orifice, the minimum thickness of the distal dentine wall was only 300–400 μm which was significantly less than when the instrument was broken at 3 mm.     

Root and canal morphology of the mesiobuccal and distal roots of permanent first molars in a Kuwait population--a clinical study

Aim To identify the number of roots and canal configurations in permanent first molars of the indigenous Kuwaiti sub‐population and compare them against a similar group of non‐Kuwaiti population in different age groups and gender, and to determine the frequency of a second canal in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars and distal root of mandibular first molars that could be located and treated in routine practice without using magnification or special lighting conditions. Methodology A total of 220 permanent first molar teeth of patients scheduled for root canal treatment over a period of 1 year were included. Patients were identified and grouped according to their nationality as Kuwaiti and non‐Kuwaiti (which included Filipinos, Indonesian Indians, Srilankans, Egyptians, Saudi Arabians and Syrians). In both nationality groups, patients were successively distributed into four groups based on their age. The first age group included patients below 20 years, the second 21–30 years, the third 31–40 years and the fourth were over 40 years. The first three groups comprised of 15 male and 15 female patients whilst the fourth group had 10 patients of each gender. Teeth with open apices, resorptions and calcification were excluded from the study. The teeth included were both clinically and radiographically examined for number of roots, the canal configuration and the presence of the additional mesiobuccal and distal canals and recorded. The simplified classification of canal configurations proposed by Weine was utilized. Results The incidence of a second canal in the mesiobuccal (MB) root of maxillary first molars and the distal root of mandibular first molars was not influenced significantly by nationality and gender. All the 110 maxillary first molars treated had three roots; 58% of MB root had one canal and 42% had two canals. The majority of the mesial roots had Weine type II canal configuration when the second mesiobuccal canal was present. All distobuccal and palatal roots had a single or type I canal configuration. Of the 110 mandibular first molars that were treated, 96% had two roots and 4% had three roots. When present, the third root was located either buccal or lingual to the main distal root. Overall 51% of the single distal roots had one canal whilst 49% had two canals. The mesial root frequently had a Weine type II canal configuration as did the distal root when a second canal was present. Pearson’s correlation analysis of both molars revealed a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation (r = ?0.274, r = ?0.144) between age and number of canals as well as the type of canal. Conclusions The incidence of a second canal in distal roots of permanent mandibular first molars was 49% in the Kuwaiti population and this was similar to other Asian ethnic populations. Adopting modified access and troughing procedures revealed a 42% frequency of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars. The incidence of a second canal in both mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars and distal roots of mandibular molars decreased significantly with age; no differences were noticed amongst the nationalities and gender studied. The possibility of extra roots should be anticipated in mandibular molars.