Incidence of Middle Mesial Canals Based on Distance between Mesial Canal Orifices in Mandibular Molars: A Clinical and Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

IntroductionThis study evaluated the presence of midmesial canals (MMCs) in a random sample of mandibular molars and the relationship of the intracanal distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canal orifices.MethodsFifty-one extracted mandibular molars were divided into samples of 3 to 4 teeth, mounted in plaster and boxing wax, and immersed in water before cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging. Two endodontic residents completed the access openings. The teeth and the CBCT images were interpreted for the presence of MMCs and the mesial intracanal distance. CBCT software measured the distance between the buccal of the MB canal to the lingual of the ML canal at the pulpal floor to determine the average length between the canals.ResultsSeven distinct MMCs were seen both clinically (incidence of 13.725%) and on the CBCT images. Twenty-seven teeth (52.94%) had ambiguous broad isthmi between the MB and the ML orifices. MMCs were present at the furcation level but merged with the MB or ML canal toward the apex in 6 of 7 teeth (85.71%). The mean distance between the mesial canals in teeth with MMCs was 3.643 mm, and it was 3.818 mm for teeth without MMCs. According to independent sample t testing, the P value was >.05.ConclusionsThe incidence of MMCs in mandibular molars appears consistent with the literature. However, there does not appear to be a statistically significant difference in the mesial intracanal distance in teeth with and without MMCs. Visualization of MMCs on CBCTs may be subjective. There does not appear to be a correlation between the presence of MMCs and an increased or decreased mesial intracanal distance.     

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.

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.     

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.

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.     

Prevalence of Second Mesiobuccal Canals in Maxillary First Molars Detected Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography,Direct Occlusal Access,and Coronal Plane Grinding

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in 100 maxillary first molars using 3 independent methods and a combination method.

锥体束CT对上颌第一磨牙近中颊根管形态的研究

目的：通过锥体束CT（cone--beam computed tomography,CBCT）成像系统分析上颌第一磨牙近中颊根根管形态及第二（second mesiobuccal,MB2）根管的发生率。方法：选择95名进行CBCT扫描的患者,共计180颗上颌第一磨牙,观察近颊根根管形态、MB2根管的发生率、左右侧发生比率及男女发生比率差异。结果：上颌第一磨牙近颊根管形态以Ⅲ型为主,MB2根管发生率为79．4％,左右侧发生比率无统计学差异（P=0．846）,男性发生率明显高于女性（P=0．043）。结论：上颌第一磨牙近颊根MB2根管的发生率较高,可通过CBCT有效的发现MB2根管,为临床诊疗提供依据。     

上颌磨牙近中颊根的寻找和扩通

目的：寻找并尽量扩通上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管，统计其发生率及通畅率。方法：离体上颌磨牙11颗，开髓、拔髓，寻找并尽量扩通近中颊根第二根管即MB2，根管预备、充填，拍片。统计其发生及发现率。临床上对146颗上颌磨牙开髓、拔髓，寻找并尽量扩通近中颊根第二根管即MB2，根管预备，充填，拍片。结果：离体牙10颗，上颌第一磨牙近中颊根第二根管发现率为60％，通畅率为50％。94颗上颌第一磨牙，近中颊根第二根管发现率为44.68％.通畅率为29.78％，52颗上颌第二磨牙，发现率为11.53％，通畅率为7.69％。结论：上颌第一磨牙近中颊根第二根管的发生率较高，其寻找、定位及扩通尽管有一定的困难，临床医生仍应注意寻找，以提高上颌磨牙根管治疗的成功率。     

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。     

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.     

Influence of Voxel Size and Filter Application in Detecting Second Mesiobuccal Canals in Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Images

IntroductionThis study assessed the influence of voxel size and filter application in detecting second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.MethodsUsing the OP300 CBCT system (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) and 3 voxel size protocols (80 μm, 125 μm, and 200 μm), we scanned 40 first molars: 20 with an MB2 canal and 20 without. All molars received silver palladium pins on the palatal root, whereas the non-MB2 molars were also filled with gutta-percha. Five oral radiologists assessed the presence of an MB2 canal under 3 filter application conditions: without filter, with sharpen 1 × filter, and with sharpen 2 × filter. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility was evaluated using the weighted kappa index. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves with SPSS Statistics v.20.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) using 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test with 5% significance level.ResultsOur analysis found median intra- and interobserver agreement values of 0.70 and 0.56, respectively. The 80-μm voxel with sharpen 1 × filter image group had the highest sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive values. As for specificity and positive predictive, the 80-μm voxel group without filter application presented the highest values. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were higher in the 80-μm groups than in the 125-μm and 200-μm voxel size groups (P < .05). We found no differences among the filters used (P = .22) or for the filter–voxel size interactions (P = .88).ConclusionsA smaller voxel size increased the accuracy in detecting MB2 canals, whereas the enhancement filters did not.     

口腔显微镜在上颌第一磨牙根管治疗及再治疗中的应用

目的：探讨显微镜对上颌第一磨牙近中颊根第二根管（second mesiobuccal canals,MB2）的定位探查,以及根管治疗的效果。方法收集患者共88例88颗患牙,在牙科锥形束CT（cone beam computed tomography , CBCT）下确诊MB2存在并接受初次治疗68例,及MB2存在而未发现致根管治疗失败后需再治疗20例。68例患者在CBCT下进一步分析近中颊根根管分型,根据患者的意愿选择不同的治疗方法。试验组34例,显微镜下对MB2进行观察探查并治疗;对照组34例,未用显微镜直视下进行观察探查和治疗。比较2组MB2根管的检出及治疗效果。20例再治疗患者,10例于显微镜下进行再治疗,10例直视下接受常规治疗,比较2组再治疗的效果。结果68颗患牙的CBCT检查结果近中颊根根管以Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型根管为主,其中Ⅱ型53例占77.9%,Ⅲ型15例占22.1%。试验组的MB2检出率为100%,对照组MB2检出率为91.2%,2组差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。试验组根管治疗成功率为97.5%,明显高于对照组的79.4%（P<0.05）。2组术后3个月及6个月后试验组疗效构成比明显优于对照组（P<0.05）。显微镜下再治疗成功10例,直视下再治疗成功6例。根管再治疗患者术后3个月及6个月疗效构成比保持不变。结论显微镜对上颌第一磨牙MB2根管的探查及治疗具有一定的临床价值。     

Efficacy of clinical and radiological methods to identify second mesiobuccal canals in maxillary first molars

Abstract

Introduction. The success of endodontic treatment depends on the identification of all root canals. Technological advances have facilitated this process as well as the assessment of internal anatomical variations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of clinical and radiological methods in locating second mesiobuccal canals (MB2) in maxillary first molars. Methods. Fifty patients referred for analysis; access and clinical analysis; cone-beam endodontic treatment of their maxillary first molars were submitted to the following assessments: analysis; access and clinical analysis; cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); post-CBCT clinical analysis; clinical analysis using an operating microscope; and clinical analysis after Start X ultrasonic inserts in teeth with negative results in all previous analyses. Results. Periapical radiographic analysis revealed the presence of MB2 in four (8%) teeth, clinical analysis in 25 (50%), CBCT analysis in 27 (54%) and clinical analysis following CBCT and using an operating microscope in 27 (54%) and 29 (58%) teeth, respectively. The use of Start X ultrasonic inserts allowed one to detect two additional teeth with MB2 (62%). According to Vertucci's classification 48% of the mesiobuccal canals found were type I, 28% type II, 18% type IV and 6% type V. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (p > 0.5) in the ability of CBCT to detect MB2 canals when compared with clinical assessment with or without an operating microscope. A significant difference (p < 0.001)was found only between periapical radiography and clinical/CBCT evaluations. Conclusion. Combined use of different methods increased the detection ofthe second canal in MB roots, but without statistical difference among CBCT, operating microscope, Start X and clinical analysis.     

上颌第二磨牙近颊融合根中MB2的锥束CT研究

目的:通过锥束CT技术研究上颌第二磨牙近颊融合根中MB2的发生率。方法:收集199例患者的上颌第二磨牙CBCT数据,观察牙根融合类型、年龄以及牙位对MB2发生的影响。结果:199例患者共有380颗上颌第二磨牙,其中145颗牙的近中颊根与其他牙根融合;近远中颊根融合型(Ⅰ型)和近中颊根腭根融合型(Ⅱ型)的MB2发生率分别是5.5%、41.9%,而全融合型(Ⅲ型)则未发现MB2,Ⅰ、Ⅲ型融合的MB2发生率低于Ⅱ型;随着年龄增大,MB2发生率降低;181例具有双侧上颌第二磨牙的患者中,左右两侧融合根及MB2的发生率无显著差异。结论:上颌第二磨牙近中颊根与其他牙根融合时,其MB2发生率会出现变异。     

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.

     

上颌第二磨牙根管解剖形态的初步研究

目的: 利用透明牙技术和锥形束CT(cone-beam computed tomography, CBCT)体层扫描技术对上颌第二磨牙根管解剖形态进行研究, 比较CBCT对根管形态的识别与透明牙有无一致性。方法: 对50颗离体牙进行CBCT扫描, 数据导入用计算机软件, 根据Vertucci根管分型, 记录每颗离体牙每个牙根的根管分型。用改良根管染色技术对离体牙进行透明牙制作, 根据Vertucci分类, 将离体牙按每个牙根进行根管类型统计。采用SPSS17.0软件包对所得数据进行统计学处理。结果: 经过对透明牙的观察, 上颌第二磨牙远中颊根和腭根根管形态以Ⅰ型(1-1)为主, 发现新的根管分型(3-2-2)。近颊根的变异比较复杂, 主要以Ⅰ型居多(54.4%), Ⅱ型(2-1)、Ⅳ型(2-2)、Ⅴ型(1-2)和Ⅵ型(2-1-2)均有发生。近颊第二根管发生率为41.3%;经一致性检验, CBCT与透明牙在根管分型上具有一致性(P<0.001)。结论: 上颌第二磨牙根管解剖形态复杂, 尤其近颊根根管类型多变。CBCT与透明牙对根管的识别具有一致性, 其提供的三维影像技术对临床工作具有指导意义。     

上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管的检出率

目的 探讨上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管(MB2)的临床检出率以及手术显微镜在提高上颌磨牙临床检出率中的作用.方法 选取进行常规根管治疗的63颗上颌第一磨牙.27颗上颌第二磨牙,以及进行显微根管治疗的55颗上颌第一磨牙,20颗上颌第二磨牙,2颗上颌第三磨牙,分别拍摄术前X线片,探查根管,记录根管数目.结果 进行常规根管治疗的上颌第一磨牙和上颌第二磨牙,MB2检出率分别为28.6%和3.7%;进行显微根管治疗的上颌第一磨牙和上颌第二磨牙,MB2检出率分别是61.8%和25%:对上颌第一磨牙常规根管治疗和显微根管治疗的MB2临床检出率进行卡方检验,X2=13.17,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);对上颌第二磨牙常规根管治疗和显微根管治疗的MB2临床检出率进行Fisher确切概率值检测,单侧比较值为0.043,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 手术显微镜有助于提高上颌磨牙MB2的临床检出率,选择显微根管治疗有助于提升上颌磨牙根管治疗的成功率.     

Concurrent relationship between additional canals of mandibular first molars and maxillary first molars using cone-beam computed tomography

Objective

To investigate the bilateral concurrence and relationships between distolingual (DL) roots and DL canals of the mandibular first molars and second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals of the maxillary first molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

A total of 150 CBCT images showing all mandibular and maxillary first molars were retrospectively investigated in a South Korean subpopulation. The patient age, sex, positions of first molars, and presence of roots and canals were assessed. The frequency, bilateral concurrence of DL roots, DL canals, and MB2 canals, and concurrent relationship of DL roots or DL canals with MB2 canals were investigated. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and odds ratios from binary logistic regression.

Results

The prevalences of DL roots, DL canals, and MB2 canals were 24.7, 42.7, and 56.0 %, respectively, and showed significant bilateral concurrence. A concurrent relationship between DL roots and MB2 canals was not demonstrated, whereas the presence of a DL canal was significantly correlated with the presence of an MB2 canal on the same side.

Conclusions

The presence of a DL root of the mandibular first molar, a strong ethnic characteristic, could not predict the presence of an MB2 canal of the maxillary first molar. The correlation between DL canals and MB2 canals on the same side and the significant bilateral concurrence, whether present or absent, of DL roots, DL canals, and MB2 canals can aid clinicians in the prediction of additional canals in the first molars.     

离体上颌磨牙近中颊根第二根管出现率的研究

目的运用透明标本观察法、螺旋CT薄层扫描技术和牙根硬组织切片观察法研究中国人离体上颌第一、二磨牙近中颊根第二根管（MB2）的出现率。方法分别收集离体上颌第一磨牙216例、第二磨牙334例，均随机分为两组：A组制成透明标本；B组标本经螺旋CT扫描后，自根尖开始每隔1mm横切牙根。所有离体牙标本均在牙科手术显微镜下观察并记录近中颊根的根管数目。结果透明标本观察法所得的上颌第一、第二磨牙MB2出现率分别为81．48％和49．70％；螺旋CT扫描技术所得的结果分别为77．78％和47．31％；牙根硬组织切片法所得的结果分别为88．89％和53．89％。上颌第一磨牙MB2出现率高于第二磨牙，其差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。同一牙位不同实验方法间的结果差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论上颌第一、二磨牙MB2出现率高，提示临床医师应努力探查该根管，以提高上颌磨牙根管治疗的成功率。