The MB3 canal in maxillary molars: a micro-CT study

Objectives

To assess the internal and external morphologies of the mesiobuccal (MB) root of maxillary molars presenting a third root canal (MB3), using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Material and methods

Two-hundred and sixty-five extracted maxillary first and second molars with different root configurations were imaged in a micro-CT scanner at 19.6-μm pixel size. Sixteen teeth presenting MB3 canal were selected and evaluated regarding root configuration, minimal dentine thickness 2 mm under the furcation area, canal configuration of the MB root, MB3 canal morphology (location, independent or confluent orifice, and anatomy types), and the apical anatomy (aspect ratio, number of accessory canals and foramina, presence of isthmus, and independent MB3 foramen).

Results

Overall, a high variability in canal configuration was detected in the MB root. MB3 canal was observed in 10 maxillary first molars and 6 maxillary second molars (n = 16). Minimal dentine thickness related to the MB3 canal at the coronal third was smaller than that of the MB1 canal. A complex internal anatomy comprising 13 different root canal configurations was observed. A high number of independent MB3 orifices at the pulp chamber floor was observed in the first molars (7 out of 10 teeth), while most of the specimens (n = 14) showed a confluent anatomy of the MB3 canal. A varied number of accessory canals and foramina were observed. At the apical third, isthmus could be observed in 6 specimens, while an independent MB3 foramen was present in 37.5% of the MB roots.

Conclusions

MB3 canal is a rare anatomical variation present in maxillary first and second molars. Its presence can be associated to a complex internal anatomy of the MB root which includes the presence of isthmuses and multiple accessory canals and foramina at the apical third, but also a thin dentine thickness at the coronal third and a confluent anatomy of the MB3 with the other main canals.

     

上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管的定位与扩通

目的　研究上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管口 (secondmesiobuccalcanal,MB2 )与近中颊根管口 (mesiobuccalcanal,MB)、腭侧根管口 (palatal,P)的相对位置关系 ;探讨根管显微镜在上颌磨牙MB2治疗中的作用。方法　选取 1 1 3颗上颌磨牙 ,截去牙冠后肉眼寻找并扩通MB2根管 ,然后将未找到MB2或不能扩通的标本利用根管显微镜重复上述操作。对找到MB2根管的标本进行扫描 ,利用Image Proplus 4 .0图像分析软件分析MB2根管口与MB、P根管口的关系。结果　MB MB2距离为(1 47± 0 54)mm ,MB P距离为 (5 77± 0 66)mm ,MB2根管口与MB P连线的垂直距离为 (0 53±0 2 8)mm ,MB P连线与MB MB2连线的夹角 (α)为 2 3 0 7°± 1 3 0 8°。肉眼下有 70颗找到MB2根管口(61 9% ) ,其中 53颗通畅 (46 9% ) ;在根管显微镜下又有 6颗找到MB2 ,其中 4颗MB2根管通畅 ,MB2根管发现率提高 5 4% ;原MB2不通畅的根管又有 2颗通畅 ,MB2根管通畅率提高 5 4%。结论　MB2根管位于MB舌侧 2mm以内及MB P连线近中 1mm以内 ;上颌磨牙MB2发现率为 67 3 % ,其中52 2 %通畅 ;根管显微镜可以提高MB2的发现率及扩通率     

Mesiobuccal and Palatal Interorifice Distance May Predict the Presence of the Second Mesiobuccal Canal in Maxillary Second Molars with Fused Roots

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate if the configuration of canal orifices can predict the presence of a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in maxillary second molars with fused roots.MethodsMaxillary second molars with fused roots (N = 150) were scanned in a micro–computed tomographic device (pixel size = 9 μm) and evaluated regarding the root fusion type and the incidence of the MB2 canal. The centers of the canal orifices were connected, and the angles formed by the intersection of these lines as well as their distances were measured and statistically compared (1-way analysis of variance). Specimens were then assigned to 2 groups according to the presence (n = 65) or absence (n = 50) of the MB2 canal and compared regarding the angles and interorifice distances using the Welch t test. A binary logistic regression model estimated the association between the interorifice distance, the fusion type, and the presence of the MB2 canal, whereas receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic abilities of significant variables. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsThe most common fusion types were 1 and 6, and MB2 canal incidence was 47.3%. No statistical difference was observed in the angles or interorifice distances among teeth with different fusion types (P > .05). Distances from the mesiobuccal (MB) to the distobuccal and palatal (P) canal orifices as well as the MB and P angles were significantly higher in the presence of an MB2 canal (P < .05). A binary logistic regression model revealed that MB-distobuccal and MB-P distances were significant in the presence of an MB2 canal (P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that MB-P distance had acceptable diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of MB2 canal presence. Sensitivity (specificity) calculated from the MB-P distances of 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 mm were 89.2% (36.5%), 76.9% (58.4%), and 44.4% (71.4%), respectively.ConclusionsMB-P interorifice distance is a strong predictor of the presence of the MB2 canal in maxillary second molars with fused roots.     

Dentin Thickness at Danger Zone and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Molars

ObjectivesDentin thickness in concave areas of the root creates risk for complications such as strip perforation during endodontic treatment. The study aims to examine dentin thickness of the danger (DZ) and safety zone (SZ), canal configuration, and the presence of isthmus in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molars.Material and MethodsCone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of 1251 teeth belonging to 642 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The dentin thicknesses at DZ and SZ in maxillary molars with one (MB) or two mesiobuccal canals (MB1, MB2) were measured at the 3 mm apical to the furcation level. Vertucci''s canal configurations and the isthmus rate were recorded. The Chi-square test andThe Student’s t-test were performed.ResultsMB2 rate was higher in maxillary first molars (61.68%) than second molars (39.36%). Isthmus rates were 27.3% and 44.11% in first and second molars. DZ thickness was thinner than the dentin thickness in the SZ in both first and second molars with one or two mesial canals (p< 0.05). In teeth with single canal, the mean DZ thickness was 0.88mm. In teeth with two canals, the mean DZ thicknesses were 0.83mm and 0.80mm for MB1 and MB2 canals, respectively.ConclusionMB2 rate was higher in the first molar (61.68%), and the isthmus rate was higher in the second molar (44.11%). DZ and SZ were thinner in MB2 than in MB1 at the maxillary molars with two mesial canals. The results indicated that more conservative preparation must be applied to the MB2 canal in the maxillary molars.     

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.     

Second mesiobuccal canal detection in maxillary first molars using microscopy and ultrasonics

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of operating microscope in combination with ultrasonics increased the rate of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal detection in permanent maxillary first molar teeth. A hundred extracted human maxillary first molars were assessed. After location of the main canals, the MB2 canal was sought in all teeth first without microscopy, then with the aid of the operating microscope and finally with the combined use of the operating microscope and ultrasonics. With these techniques, the MB2 canal was detected in 62%, 67% and 74% of the teeth, respectively. The combination of the operating microscope and ultrasonics detected significantly more MB2 canals than when no microscopy was utilized (P < 0.05). Sectioning of the roots disclosed the presence of the MB2 canal in 82% of the teeth. Twenty‐nine per cent of the teeth had a separate MB2 canal orifice and separate apical foramina. The results of this study suggested that the combined use of the operating microscope and ultrasonics increased the detection of MB2 canals in maxillary first permanent molars.     

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.     

The Incidence of Second Mesiobuccal Canals Located in Maxillary Molars with the Aid of Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Introduction

Many endodontic treatment failures in maxillary molars result from missed second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals. An MB2 canal orifice is present in as many as 95% of maxillary molars, but these canals are not always located during endodontic procedures. Additional tools, such as cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging, may be needed to locate these canals in maxillary molars. Hence, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of use of CBCT imaging during the treatment of maxillary molars and to evaluate the influence of its use on the detection of MB2 canals.

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.     

Root and root canal variations of the human maxillary and mandibular third molars in a Chinese population: A micro–computed tomographic study

ObjectivesTo investigate the anatomical variations of the root and root canal configuration of the human third molars.DesignsA total of 130 maxillary and 130 mandibular third molars were collected from a native Chinese population. All teeth were scanned by micro–computed tomography. After 3D reconstruction, the root and canal morphology of each tooth was examined both qualitatively and quantitatively.ResultsFor maxillary molars, a single fused root (67 cases, 51.5%) and a single root canal system (64 cases, 49.2%) was most common root/canal form; the typical three-rooted molars were detected only in 33 cases (25.4%), and the secondary MB canals were detected only in 9 molars (6.9%). For mandibular molars, 62 teeth were single-rooted (47.7%) and 42 had a single root canal system (32.3%); 20 singled-rooted and 60 double-rooted molars exhibited independent mesial and distal root canal systems (61.5%), and the type 1-1 canal was the most common configuration for mesial (57 cases) and distal (81 cases) root canal systems. C-shaped canals were detected in 11 maxillary and 36 mandibular single-rooted molars. The mean root surface area, root and crown volume of mandibular third molars were significantly higher than the maxillary third molars (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe root canal system of the third molars may exhibit several anatomic variations. Whereas in most of cases, the degree of the canal differentiation was at a low level, and the canal form was not complicate.     

Association between second mesiobuccal canal and apical periodontitis in retrospective cone-beam computed tomographic images

This retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study aimed to investigate the possible associations of apical periodontitis (AP) with missed/unmissed second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals. MB2 canals and AP were investigated in 257 endodontically treated and 673 untreated maxillary molars, and the former were analyzed regarding missed/unmissed MB2 canals. The chi-squared test and odds ratio (OR) were used for statistics. The prevalence of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars was higher than that in second molars (p = 0.001). MB2 canals were 1.751 times more common in males than in females (OR: 1.751; 95% CI: 1.334–2.297), with a significant difference in the 18–39 age groups (p = 0.005). The risk for AP was 5.5 times greater in endodontically treated maxillary molars with missed MB2 canals than in those with unmissed MB2 canals (p = 0.012) (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.549–19.527). The findings of this study reveal that the likelihood of the MB2 canal is higher in the maxillary first molars of young adult males.     

A micro-computed tomography study of canal configuration of multiple-canalled mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar

Objectives

Detailed information of complex anatomical configuration of mesiobuccal (MB) root is essential for successful endodontic treatment in maxillary first molars. The aims of this study were to investigate the configuration types present in multiple-canalled MB roots of maxillary first molars using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and to evaluate whether further modification to current configuration classifications are needed for in-depth morphology study of MB root canal system.

Materials and methods

One hundred and fifty-four extracted human maxillary first molar MB roots were scanned by μCT (Skyscan) and their canals were reconstructed by 3D modeling software. Root canal configurations were categorized according to the classifications proposed by Weine and Vertucci. Canal configurations that did not fit into both classifications were categorized as non-classifiable.

Results

One hundred and thirteen (73.4 %) MB roots had multiple canals. The most predominant canal configuration was Weine type III (two orifices and two foramens). Thirty-three (29.2 %) and 20 (17.7 %) MB roots had non-classifiable configuration types that could not be classified by the Weine and Vertucci classification, respectively. Three configurations (types 1–3, 2–3–2–3–2, and 2–3–4–3–2) were first reported in maxillary first molar MB roots.

Conclusions

The present μCT study provided an in-depth analysis of canal configurations of the MB roots of maxillary first molar and suggests that additional modification of current configuration classifications may be needed to more accurately reflect the morphology configurations of MB roots.

Clinical relevance

Clinicians should consider the complex canal configurations of the maxillary first molar MB roots during surgical or nonsurgical endodontic procedures.     

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。     

牙科手术显微镜用于探查上颌第一恒磨牙近颊根第二根管口的诊断性试验

目的评价牙科手术显微镜（DOM）用于探查上颌第一恒磨牙近颊根第二根管（MB2）根管口的诊断价值。方法选择120个离体上颌第一恒磨牙为研究样本,采用交叉试验设计模式,将牙齿开髓后通过肉眼和手术显微镜分别进行MB2根管口的探查,探查完毕后将标本制成透明牙。以透明牙为金标准,以肉眼探查结果为对照,评价DOM的诊断价值。结果DOM探查的敏感性和准确度分别为0.78和0.76,优于肉眼探查的0.61和0.65（P<0.05）。结论使用手术显微镜能够提高MB2的发现率。     

Morphological measurements of two separate mesiobuccal canals in maxillary first molars using micro-computed tomography

Objectives

To obtain radicular measurements of two separate mesiobuccal (MB) root canals in maxillary first molars using micro-computed tomography (μCT) with customized software.

Materials and methods

Human maxillary first molar MB roots (N = 36) with two separate canals (MB1, MB2) and apical foramina were scanned by μCT and analyzed with Kappa2 software to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) surface models of roots and canals. These models were sectioned at 0.1 mm intervals perpendicular to the central axis of each canal. Canal widths, 3D curvatures, and surrounding dentine thicknesses were measured concurrently on each section. Dentine thicknesses were analyzed statistically for differences between each direction and the different levels of both canals.

Results

Dentine walls around MB1 were thicker than MB2 (p < 0.05). Thinnest dentine was most often located at disto-inside direction in both canals. Canal widths were significantly smaller in MB2 than MB1 (p < 0.01). Apical constrictions were smaller (p < 0.05) and further (p < 0.05) from the apex in MB2 than MB1. Canal curvatures were greatest in the apical third of both canals (p < 0.001), and they were greater in MB2 than MB1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

MB2 canals had shorter lengths, smaller widths, and more severe curvatures and were surrounded by thinner dentine walls. In MB2, apical constrictions were between 1 and 2 mm from the apex, compared to about 1 mm for MB1.

Clinical relevance

These detailed measurements and in-depth 3D analyses of maxillary first molar MB roots with two separate canals and apical foramina provide morphologic references for root canal therapy.

     

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.     

A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Study of Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary First and Second Permanent Molars in a Thai Population

Introduction

Understanding tooth anatomy is crucial for effective endodontic treatment. This study investigated the roots and root canal morphology of maxillary first and second permanent molars in a Thai population using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

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.     

The influence of dental operating microscope in locating the mesiolingual canal orifice

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of using the dental operating microscope (DOM) for detection of the mesiolingual (ML) canal orifice in extracted maxillary molars compared with unaided vision (no loupes or headlamps). STUDY DESIGN: Using a clinical simulation model system, we mounted 39 maxillary molars in a dentoform and placed them into a mannequin. After rubber dam placement and preparation of standard access, 2 attempts were made to locate the ML canal with unaided vision. Then the teeth were examined by using a DOM. Finally, all teeth were sectioned, stained, and evaluated with the DOM for actual presence of an ML canal. RESULTS: ML canal orifices were detected in 20 of the teeth with a sharp explorer and mirror. In the remaining teeth, 12 ML canal orifice were located by using the DOM. Qualitative nonparametric comparisons were used. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the DOM provides increased opportunity for the dentist to detect canal orifices.     

3D geometric analysis of second mesiobuccal canal in permanent maxillary first molar tooth

Cone-beam computed tomography scans exhibiting a second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal were examined. The vertical distance of the MB2 orifice from the pulp floor (depth), inter-orifice distance (IOD) of MB2 from mesiobuccal (MB) and palatal (P) orifices, the horizontal distance of the MB2 orifice from the line joining MB-P orifices [mesial deviation (MD)] and root canal configuration (RCC) were evaluated on 330 scans. The Student's t-test, ANOVA, Spearman's correlation and linear regression analysis were applied. The MB2 depth was 1.69 ± 0.86 mm. IOD (MB-MB2, MB2-P) was 2.18 ± 0.58 mm and 4.63 ± 1.06 mm, respectively. MD was 1.02 ± 0.37 mm. The predominant RCC was Vertucci's type II (75.5%). No correlation of depth with IOD of MB-MB2 (rho = 0.0367, p = 0.506) was observed. Significant correlation of depth with IOD of MB2-P (rho = 0.696, p < 0.001) and MD (rho = 0.174, p = 0.001) was established. No association of depth with age and IOD (MB-MB2) was observed on linear regression analysis. However, a significant positive association was established with IOD (MB2-P) (p < 0.001) and MD (p = 0.001).