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.     

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.     

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.     

Analisi della morfologia radicolare e canalare di molari superiori ed inferiori in una popolazione Caucasica: studio in vivo alla CBCT

AimTo investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular permanent molar teeth in a Caucasian population by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).MethodsA total of 596 permanent molars were included. The number of roots, the number of canals per root and the root canal configurations according to the method of Vertucci were recorded.ResultsAlmost all of maxillary first molars (95.7%) had three separate roots; however, 40.3% of mesiobuccal roots had two canals (MB2). Of 157 maxillary second molars, 88.5% had three roots. Among the mesiobuccal roots, 15.1% had two canals. The majority of mandibular molars (100% of first molars, 89.4% of second molars) had two separate roots. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal.ConclusionsCBCT is an efficient method of studying root canal systems.     

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.     

Study of root canals and their configuration in buccal roots of maxillary first permanent molar

The present in-vitro study was undertaken to understand root canals and their configuration in buccal roots of maxillary first permanent molar. Seventy five teeth were studied by the radiographic method and 78 teeth were studied by the decalcification method. Radiographically, in mesiobuccal root, 2 root canals were observed in 81.3% and 18.7% of the specimens in mesiodistal and bucco-lingual direction respectively. In 1.3% of the specimens, 3 root canals were seen in the mesiodistal direction. Radiographically, in distobuccal root, 2 root canals were seen in 9.3% and 1.3% of the specimens in mesiodistal and buccolingual direction respectively. By the decalcification method, 2 root canals were found in mesiobuccal root in 65.4% of the specimens; distobuccal root exhibited 1 canal in 100% of the specimens studied. The configuration (shape) of buccal root canals also varied in both radiological as well as decalcification methods Many specimens exhibited curved canals and in some specimens S-shaped canals were observed. It is concluded from this study that more attention should be directed towards searching for and locating the second root canal in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first permanent molar.     

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     

Three-dimensional analysis of mesiobuccal root canal of Japanese maxillary first molar using Micro-CT

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.     

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.     

上颌第二磨牙近中颊根MB2根管的临床研究

目的研究上颌第二磨牙近中颊根第二根管的临床发现率。方法采用改良髓腔入口和探查近中颊根根管口与腭根根管口之间发育沟或暗线的方法研究上颌第二磨牙近中颊根第二根管的肉眼发现率。结果60例患者的64颗上颌第二磨牙中有19颗存在近中颊根第二根管，发现率为29．7％。结论改良髓腔入口和探查近中颊根根管口与腭根根管口之间发育沟或暗线的方法，有利于发现和治疗上颌第二磨牙近中颊根第二根管。     

上颌第一磨牙远颊双根管1例

上颌第一磨牙根管系统复杂多样,近颊根双根管发生率较高,而远颊根少有双根管报道。本文报道1例具有5根管的上颌第一磨牙（其中近颊及远颊根各2个根管）。     

Morphologic study of the maxillary molars. Part II: Internal anatomy.

The internal anatomy of three hundred and seventy (370) decalcified and cleared human maxillary molars was studied. Seventy-five percent of the first molars, 58% of the second molars and 68% of the third molars studied presented three (3) root canals and 25% of the first molars, 42% of the second molars and 32% of the third molars presented four (4) root canals. The authors observed that the incidence of two root canals in the mesiobuccal root was higher in second maxillary molars than in first maxillary molars.     

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.     

上颌第一恒磨牙根管弯曲度初探

目的:分析上颌第一恒磨牙根管弯曲发生情况、弯曲位置、弯曲方向及弯曲程度。方法:收集南京地区80例上颌第一恒磨牙,在根管中分别插入15#~20#扩大针,拍摄近远中向和颊舌向X线片,用Photoshop6.0软件测量分析根管弯曲位置、弯曲方向和弯曲角度。结果:1)上颌第一磨牙腭侧根管通畅、较直。2)远中颊侧根管在近远中方向有80%,颊舌方向有45%出现大于5°的明显弯曲,弯曲位置多位于根中1/3,且近远中向的弯曲明显大于颊舌向(P<0.05)。3)上颌第一恒磨牙近中颊根颊侧根管在近远中方向、颊舌方向分别有82.5%、77.5%出现大于5°的明显弯曲。两个方向上的弯曲程度无明显差异(P>0.05)。4)本研究中有35%的标本探通了近颊根舌侧根管,其在近远中向、颊舌向出现明显弯曲的比例达91%、83%。结论:上颌第一恒磨牙四个根管在近远中方向、颊舌方向均有不同程度的弯曲,其第二弯曲出现的情况也各不相同。     

CBCT法研究上颌第一磨牙根管形态

目的：探讨应用锥形束CT研究上颌第一磨牙牙根及根管形态的价值。方法选取70例患者83颗上颌第一磨牙的锥形束CT（cone beam computed tomogaphy,CBCT）影像,分析其牙根数目、根管数目及根管系统的解剖结构。参照Vertucci分类法对根管形态进行分类,统计近中颊根第二根管（the seconal mesiobuual canal, MB2）率。结果83颗上颌第一磨牙均为3个独立牙根,其中MB2的发生率为38.6%,近中颊根根管VertucciⅠ型（1?1）、Ⅳ型（2?2型）、Ⅱ型（2?1）、Ⅲ型（1?2?1）所占百分比分别为61.4%、18.1%、15.7%和4.8%。结论上颌第一磨牙根管系统复杂,CBCT影像可反映真实根管形态,为根管治疗提供参考。     

The incidence of four canals in maxillary first molars: a clinical determination

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted an in vivo study to report the incidence of fourth root canals located and treated in maxillary first molars during a seven-month period in a postgraduate endodontic program. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the authors determined the number of canals treated by postgraduate students in an endodontic program. The attending postgraduate endodontic faculty member supervising the case verified the number of canals in the teeth. The authors then collected the data from each resident and compiled them. RESULTS: The residents treated a total of 121 maxillary molars, 85 (70.2 percent) of which met the criterion of having four or more canals treated. Approximately 99 percent of the fourth canals were located in the mesiobuccal root. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 70 percent of the maxillary first molars contained at least four canals that required instrumentation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that it is imperative for any dentist performing root canal therapy on maxillary first molars to examine carefully the pulpal floor to locate all canals, especially the second mesiobuccal canal. Performing thorough examinations may increase the chance of treatment success.     

上颌第一磨牙近中颊根三根管1例

上颌第一磨牙近巾颊根三根管较少见,本文介绍1例近中颊根存在3个根管的上颌第一磨牙,3个根管口相距约1.5 mm,根管长度基本正常.     

上颌第二磨牙四根管1例

上颌第二磨牙四根管发生率低,且主要类型为近颊双根管的四根管,腭侧双根管的四根管十分罕见。本文报道1例腭侧双根管的四根管上颌第二磨牙。     

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.