The Morphologic Characteristics of the Distolingual Roots of Mandibular First Molars in a Taiwanese Population

IntroductionThe prevalence of extra distolingual (DL) roots in mandibular first molars in Chinese population is about 20%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference of root length and root curvatures between distobuccal (DB) and DL roots of three-rooted mandibular first molars in a Taiwanese (Chinese) population.MethodsOf the 293 extracted mandibular first molars, DL roots were present in 29 (9.9%) teeth. Excluding teeth with fractured DB or DL roots, 21 mandibular first molars were further investigated. DB and DL root lengths were measured from the lower level of furcation at the distal surface to the root apex. The curvature of the DL root was measured on mesial-distal and buccal-lingual radiographs by Schneider's technique.ResultsThe DL roots were significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than the DB roots with an average of 1.48 ± 0.81 mm. Most DL roots had a greater curvature in a buccal-lingual orientation (36.35° ± 9.38°) than a mesial-distal orientation (9.24° ± 6.10°) and 28.57% of the curved DL roots had the curvature at the apical one third (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study verified the characteristics of shorter root length and severe buccal-lingual inclination of DL roots in three-rooted mandibular first molars.     

The Prevalence of Three-rooted Mandibular Permanent First Molars in a German Population

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of three-rooted mandibular first molars among a German dental school patient population. A total of 800 patients' full-mouth periapical radiographs were screened, and, out of these, 524 patients possessing at least one mandibular first molar were selected. The radiographs of these cases were evaluated under optimal conditions using double magnifying glasses. The incidence of three-rooted mandibular first molars and the correlation between left- and right-side occurrences and between males and females were recorded and analyzed using the chi-square test. A total of 1,024 mandibular first molars were evaluated. Left molars comprised 500 teeth and right molars 524 teeth. Seven patients were found to have a three-rooted mandibular first molar, three females and four males (p = 0.981). The overall incidence of patients with three-rooted mandibular first molars was 1.35%. All three-rooted molars occurred unilaterally. The prevalence of teeth showing an extra root from all teeth examined was 0.68%. The right first molar had an incidence of 0.57% and the left molar of 0.80%, respectively (p = 0.953). In conclusion, the occurrence of three-rooted mandibular first molars among this German population was rare.     

Relationship of the Incidence of C-shaped Root Canal Configurations of Mandibular First Premolars with Distolingual Roots in Mandibular First Molars in a Taiwanese Population: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Study

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C-shaped canal configurations (CSs) and radicular grooves (RGs) in permanent mandibular first premolars (MPs) and to investigate the relevance of such complexities with the presence of distolingual roots (DLRs) in permanent mandibular first molars (MMs).

两种手术径路在水平阻生牙拔除中的选择

目的:探讨舌侧去骨法与颊侧去骨法用于拔除下颌水平阻生第三磨牙的适应证。方法:中、低位水平阻生患者105例,共160颗牙齿,随机分成2组,每组均为中位阻生齿55颗,低位阻生齿25颗。一组采用舌侧去骨法,一组采用颊侧去骨法。比较2组拔牙花费的时间及术后并发症的严重程度。结果:中位阻生齿拔除所花费时间,舌侧去骨法为(17.31±1.53)min,颊侧去骨法为(18.76±2.45)min,P>0.05。低位阻生齿拔除,舌、颊侧去骨法所用时间分别为(34.40±5.81)min及(42.97±4.77)min,P<0.05。低位阻生齿拔除,舌、颊侧去骨法引起面部水肿的程度分别为(21.25±3.81)%及(30.80±5.04)%,P<0.05。两组间出现疼痛、张口受限、感染、出血、舌或下唇麻木的机会无明显差别。结论:拔除低位水平阻生齿应采用舌侧去骨法,中位水平阻生齿拔除采用颊侧去骨法为宜。     

Complicated Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Lateral Incisors Is Associated with the Presence of Distolingual Root in Mandibular First Molars: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Study in a Taiwanese Population

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the root canal configurations in permanent mandibular lateral incisors (PMLIs) and the correlation between the root canal configurations of PMLIs with the appearance of a distolingual root (DLR) in permanent mandibular first molars (PMFMs) using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

The Presence of Distolingual Root in Mandibular First Molars Is Correlated with Complicated Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Central Incisors: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Study in a Taiwanese Population

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of complicated root canals in permanent mandibular central incisors (PMCIs) and its correlation with the presence of a distolingual root (DLR) in permanent mandibular first molars (PMFMs) using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging in a Taiwanese population.

3根型下颌第一恒磨牙远颊根及远舌根根管弯曲度的测量

目的研究3根型下颌第一恒磨牙远颊根及远舌根根管弯曲度的特点。方法从临床采集25颗拔除的3根型下颌第一恒磨牙,开髓揭顶后,将2支8号K锉分别插入远颊根及远舌根根管达根尖孔。RVG（radio visiography）数字成像系统采集牙齿在近远中向和颊舌向的X线数码牙片。将数码牙片导入图像分析软件ImagePro Plus6.0,分别用Schneider法和Weine法测量根管弯曲度及根管入角。结果 Schneider法测得远颊根根管在近远中向弯曲度为9.33°±5.08°,颊舌向为10.06°±5.73°,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;远舌根根管在近远中向弯曲度为11.28°±7.30°,颊舌向为28.34°±13.76°,颊舌向弯曲度显著大于近远中向,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.001）。Weine法测得的各项目均值皆大于Schneider法,而且两者具有高度相关性（Pearson相关系数r=0.972,P=0.000）。远舌根根管在颊舌向根管入角为27.04°±8.85°,明显大于近远中向的13.15°±6.74°,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.001）。结论掌握3根型下颌第一恒磨牙根管弯曲的特点有利于根管预备取得成功。     

下颌第二磨牙"C"形融合根及其根管形态的观察

目的　观察具有“C”形融合根的离体下颌第二磨牙牙根外形及根管形态。方法　通过牙根水平片切及透明标本的制作 ,观察 4 0颗下颌第二磨牙牙根的形态特点 ,并测量其长度。结果　牙根均在颊侧融合 ,牙根长度较正常牙长且有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。根管形态变异较多 ,仅 4 0 %呈现根颈到根尖的“C”形 ,3 0 %为“分号”形 ,10 %为“分离”形 ,2 0 %的牙根内各横断面形态可有不同。结论　下颌第二磨牙“C”形融合根的变异较多 ,不利于根管的彻底清理和充填     

A Microcomputed Tomographic Study of Canal Isthmuses in the Mesial Root of Mandibular First Molars in a Chinese Population

Untreated isthmuses can be a cause of endodontic treatment failure. We investigated the anatomic features of the isthmus in the mesial root of mandibular first molars using microcomputed tomography scans. Thirty-six extracted mandibular first molars were collected from the Chinese population and divided into three age groups as follows: 20 to 39 years (group A), 40 to 59 years (group B),and ≥60 years (group C). Each tooth was scanned and reconstructed, and then the prevalence and type of isthmus were recorded. The percentage of sections showing isthmuses for groups A, B, and C were 50%, 41%, and 24%, respectively. The chi-square test indicated a significant correlation of the distribution of isthmuses with age (p < 0.001). The ratio of partial isthmus to complete isthmus for group C (17.1:1) was significantly higher than group A (5.9:1) and group B (7.0:1) (p < 0.001). By understanding the configuration and location of isthmus, a more efficient endodontic microsurgery can be guaranteed.     

Morphology of Mandibular First Molars Analyzed by Cone-beam Computed Tomography in a Korean Population: Variations in the Number of Roots and Canals

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the root and canal morphology of the mandibular first molars in a Korean population of Mongolian origin by retrospective analysis of a large number of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

A total of 976 subjects with bilateral mandibular first molars were examined by using in vivo CBCT methods. The number and configuration of roots, the number of root canals, and the canal configuration based on Vertucci's classification were determined.

Results

Overall, 25.82% of examined molars had 3 roots, 73.51% had 2 roots, and 0.67% had 1 root. The incidence of fourth canal was 50.36%. A right-sided predominance was noted for extra distal roots (P < .001), whereas a left-sided predominance was observed for extra distal canals (P < .001). No significant sex-related differences were shown for their prevalence. The bilateral prevalence rate was 69.13% for extra distal roots and 78.08% for extra distolingual (DL) canals. In the mesial roots, type IV canal was the most frequent (76.86% for 2-rooted molars and 72.96% for 3-rooted molars). In the distal roots, type l was the most common (66.62% for 2-rooted molars and 99.40%–100% for 3-rooted molars). The incidence of 2 canals in distobuccal roots, first reported in this study, was 0.15%.

Conclusions

Among mandibular first molars, there is a high prevalence of a separate DL root and/or a separate DL canal, and such molars commonly have 4 canals in the Korean population. CBCT is a useful tool for determining root and canal morphology.     

Correlation of Root Dentin Thickness and Length of Roots in Mesial Roots of Mandibular Molars

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation of tooth length and distal wall thickness of mesial roots in mandibular molars at different locations (ie, 2 mm below the furcation and at the junction between the middle and apical third).

Methods

Forty-five mandibular first molars were taken, and the length of each tooth was measured. Then, specimens were divided into three groups according to their length: group I–long (24.2 mm ± 1.8), group II–medium (21 mm ± 1.5) and group III–short (16.8 mm ± 1.8). mesial root of each marked at two levels - at 2 mm below the furcation as well as at junction of apical and middle third of roots. The minimum thickness of the distal root dentine associated with the buccal and lingual canals of the mesial roots was measured, The distance between the buccal and lingual canals and the depth of concavity in the distal surface of the mesial roots were also measured.

Results

Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. The minimum thickness of the distal wall of the mesiobuccal canal was significantly different (P < .001) between groups 1 (long) and 3 (short).

Conclusions

Distal wall thickness of the mesiobuccal root and distal concavity of the mesial root of mandibular first molars were found to be thinner in longer teeth compared with shorter teeth.     

Detection of Permanent Three-rooted Mandibular First Molars by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Imaging in Taiwanese Individuals

This study determined the prevalence of permanent three-rooted mandibular first molars and their morphology among a Taiwanese population by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Images from 744 patients were screened to obtain 123 samples for this study. All permanent mandibular first molars were evaluated in axial sections from the pulpal floor to the apices of the roots to determine the number of roots. The interorifice distances from the distolingual (DL) canal to the mesiobuccal (MB) and distobuccal (DB) canals were also estimated. The prevalence of permanent three-rooted mandibular first molars was 33.33%, with a bilateral incidence of a symmetrical distribution of 53.65%. There was a significantly greater incidence of three-rooted teeth on the right side of the mandible than on the left, but gender did not show a significant relationship with this variant prevalence.The mean interorifice distances from the DL canal to the DB, MB, and ML canals of the permanent three-rooted mandibular molars were 2.7, 4.4, and 3.5 mm, respectively. The high prevalence of the DL root in permanent mandibular first molars among the Taiwanese (Chinese) population and estimations of the interorifice distance of such teeth might be useful for successful endodontic treatments.     

中国人下颌恒切牙根管弯曲的解剖学研究

目的 探讨下颌恒切牙根管弯曲情况。方法 选择299颗离体下颌恒切牙,将15号K锉插入根管,唇舌向和近远中向采集数字化X线牙片图像,测量根管的弯曲角度、弯曲半径以及弯曲长度,并根据弯曲角度和弯曲形状进行分类。对测量结果进行统计分析。结果 下颌恒切牙根管的弯曲角度、弯曲半径以及弯曲长度,唇舌向分别为5.28°±5.52°、16.19 mm±12.38 mm、4.10 mm±2.01 mm,近远中向分别为9.99°±5.84°、18.86 mm±9.71 mm、3.27 mm±2.39 mm。下颌恒切牙根管中直根管、轻度、中度、重度弯曲根管分别为15.7%、66.9%、16.7%和0.7%（P<0.05）;直根管、单弯根管、双弯根管分别为7.7%、50.5%和41.8%（P<0.05）。结论 下颌恒切牙以弯曲根管为主,唇舌向弯曲程度大于近远中向弯曲程度。     

Morphological Characteristics and Classification of Mandibular First Molars Having 2 Distal Roots or Canals: 3-Dimensional Biometric Analysis Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in a Korean Population

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the morphologic characteristics of mandibular first molars having 2 canals in distal roots. Interorifice distance, buccal bone thickness, and root curvature were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography images in a Korean population.