Influence of age and experience with magnification on locating the second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars: A preliminary study

The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical methods in identifying the presence of second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars. The influence of age and experience with microscopy was also assessed. Sixty six teeth were selected and the mesiobuccal canal was confirmed in all of the samples by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. After endodontic cavity access, teeth were evaluated through direct visual; dental loupe and operating microscope. None of the methods was successful in finding the mesiobuccal canal in all samples. Professionals <40, the magnification did not influence the location. Professionals >40, the magnification significantly influenced the location. In the direct vision, professionals >40 years located fewer canals than those <40 years of age with experience. In conclusion, these preliminary findings showed that when the microscope was used, the professionals with experience, regardless of age, found a higher number of canals. The use of the microscope was significant for professionals >40 years.     

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.

     

Determination of canal orifice co-ordinates and MB2 incidence of maxillary first molars in a Turkish sub-population

Objectives. To measure the co-ordinates of the root canal orifices and to determine the incidence of mesiobuccal-2 (MB2) in maxillary first molars in a Turkish sub-population. Materials and methods. Standard digital photographs were taken under a stereomicroscope from the occlusal aspect of each tooth (n = 176) before and after crown removal. Canal orifices were negotiated under moderate magnification using dental loupes. The coordinates of the orifices and the distances of each from the central fossa were measured by using geographic software. Intensity maps of the orifice locations were created by using the co-ordinates of all canal orifices. A representative map was drawn using the mean values of orifice locations and access projection area. Results. In the right maxillary first molars, the mean values for the (X, Y) co-ordinates were (0.67, 2.68) for mesiobuccal-1 (MB1), (0.81, 0.84) for MB2, (?1.12, 1.26) for distobuccal-1 (D1), (?0.89, 0.23) for distobuccal-2 (D2) and (0, ?2.50) for palatinal (P); the corresponding mean values in the left maxillary first molars were (?0.78, 2.56), (?0.98, 0.90), (0.99, 1.18), (0.69, 0.78) and (0.00, ?2.53), respectively. The average MB1–MB2 distance was 1.97 mm. Distobuccalcanal orifices were localized at the distal side of the center in 98.3% of teeth. The incidence of MB2 was 46.02%. Conclusions. The distobuccal canal orifice is mostly located on the distal side of the central fossa. Thus, it should be considered that the access cavity of the maxillary molars may not be always limited mesially. The incidence of MB2 in this sub-population was 46.02%, which is of great importance clinically.     

C-shaped root canal configuration in maxillary first molars

AIM: This clinical report presents the endodontic treatment of two maxillary first molars and the anatomical study of two additional maxillary first molars with a C-shaped distally located root canal system. This configuration is not a common finding. SUMMARY: According to the endodontic literature, the C-shaped root canal is most frequently seen in the mandibular second molar. The occurrence of C-shapes in maxillary first molars, however, has only been described in a limited number of case reports. We observed this configuration in two out of 2175 root-filled maxillary first molars treated at the Department of Endodontology, Ghent University Hospital, during the last 10 years. In order to study and visualize this particular aberration, cross-sections in two additional two-rooted maxillary first molars were made. From these cross sections it can be concluded that the C-shaped canal configuration is the result of a fusion of the distobuccal and the palatal roots.     

Unusual palatal root canal morphology in maxillary molars

Abstract Three clinical cases are presented in which the palatal root(s) of human maxillary molars exhibited root canal morphology characterized by multiple canals/roots.     

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     

Root and canal morphology of Burmese maxillary molars

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of Burmese maxillary molars using a canal staining and tooth clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Maxillary molars (239) were collected from indigenous Burmese patients and designated; first (90), second (77), third (72) molars. Following pulp tissue removal and canal system staining with Indian ink, the teeth were decalcified with 10% nitric acid, dehydrated and cleared with methyl salicylate. The following features were evaluated: (i) number of roots and morphology; (ii) number of canals per root: (iii) root canal configuration (Vertucci's classification); (iv) number of apical foramina per root; (v) number and location of lateral canals; and (vi) the presence of intercanal communications. RESULTS: All first and second molars had three separate roots, whilst third molars had one of five different root forms, of which three separate (25%) or fused (31%) roots were most prevalent. The majority of palatal (100%) and disto-buccal (96%) roots possessed one canal (type I). The prevalence of mesio-buccal roots with two canals decreased from first to third molars (68%, 49%, 39%, respectively); type II (two orifices, one apical foramen) and IV (two orifices, two apical foramina) configurations were the most common. Single/fused rooted third molars had a range of number and type of canals. Most roots in all molars had one apical foramen, those with four apical foramina were confined to third molars. Intercanal communications were most prevalent in mesio-buccal roots and two/three fused rooted third molars. Lateral canals were most prevalent in the apical third of the roots of all molars. CONCLUSIONS: The mesio-buccal roots of Burmese maxillary molars possessed a variety of canal system types. Over 50% of the first and second molars had a second mesio-buccal canal, of which over 20% had intercanal communications. The palatal and disto-buccal canals mainly had type I canals. Lateral canals were equally prevalent in all tooth types but were most common in the apical third.     

上颌第三磨牙根管形态的显微研究

目的研究上颌第三磨牙根管的解剖形态并寻找牙根与根管之间的对应关系。方法从150颗患者被拔除的上颌第三磨牙中,筛选牙体较完整的融合根30颗和分叉根17颗,利用显微cT扫描后行三维重建,观察其根管全貌,并对根管类型进行统计分析。结果17颗分叉根的根管形态全部为3管型或4管型,其中15颗根管数目与牙根数目一致;30颗融合根则出现了多种根管形态,其根管数目为1～4个不等。结论上颌第三磨牙根管形态变异大,但分叉根的根管形态相对简单,而融合根的根管形态反而复杂,牙根和根管数目往往不一致。     

上颌第一磨牙根管弯曲度的实验研究

目的:分析上颌第一磨牙根管弯曲位置、方向及弯曲度。方法:收集80个上颌第一磨牙,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软件测量根管弯曲位置、方向和弯曲度。结果:上颌第一磨牙腭侧根管通畅、较直。远中颊侧根管80%在近远中方向、45%在颊舌方向有>5°的明显弯曲,弯曲位置多位于根中1/3,且近远中向弯曲度明显大于颊舌向(P<0.05)。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>5°的明显弯曲。两个方向上的弯曲度无明显差异(P>0.05)。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%和83%。结论:上颌第一磨牙四个根管在近远中向、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。     

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。     

The effect of operator experience in locating additional canals in maxillary molars

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of operator experience on the ability to locate and fill extra canals in maxillary first and second molars in vivo. The number of canals located and filled from maxillary first and second molars was recorded from three endodontic residents during the first 6 months of their training, and then compared to the last 6 months of their training in a 2-yr endodontic residency program. Data from each resident was collected and compiled together. The study showed a statistically greater percentage of additional canals located and filled by residents in their last 6 months, as compared to the same residents in their first 6 months in maxillary first and second molars (p < 0.05). Therefore, operator experience was found to improve the ability to locate and fill additional canals in maxillary first and second molars.     

上颌第二磨牙近中颊根第二根管的解剖定位

目的:观察髓室底的解剖形态和根管口的数目和位置,探寻近颊根第二根管(MB2)根管口的定位规律.方法:选择 (7|7)离体牙220 颗,利用耳鼻喉科内窥镜系统对髓室底进行观察,测量髓室底根管口之间的位置关系,统计MB2出现率,探寻MB2根管口定位规律. 结果:髓室底观察发现,MB2基本上发生在MB-P连线的近中舌侧,MB2的发生率为38.2%. MB2-MB的距离为(1.56±0.65) mm.MB-DB的距离为(2.34±0.78) mm, MB-P的距离为(5.05±1.26) mm.∠MB2-MB-P的角度为(22.21±10.35)°. 结论:MB2根管口多位于MB-P连线的近中舌侧,且在以MB为中心, MB-P为一边,向近中做角度为(22.21±10.35)°的扇形范围内基本上能找到MB2.     

上颌第一磨牙根管系统的研究

目的 观察上颌第一磨牙的根管系统。方法 制备50个上颌第一磨牙透明牙标本,显露根管系统的空间构型,在体视显微镜下观察并记录根管系统的形态,结合应用加以统计。结果 ①上颌第一磨牙近中颊根单根管率为66%,其中Ⅰ型占38%,双根管率为34%,远中颊根Ⅰ型占74%,腭根Ⅰ型占94%。②根管侧支、根尖分歧、根尖分叉多见于近颊根,在近颊根的发生率为40%, 远颊根的发生率为24%,腭根的发生率为6%,发生部位多见于根尖1/3。结论 上颌第一磨牙近颊根的根管系统最为复杂,根管变异较远颊根多,腭根变异最少。     

根管显微镜在发现离体上颌第一磨牙近中颊根第二根管中的作用

目的:比较肉眼和应用根管显微镜条件下,离体上颌第一磨牙近中颊根第二根管(MB2)的发现率,为推广根管显微镜的临床应用提供依据.方法:离体上颌第一磨牙共105个,分别肉眼下使用传统开髓口、改良开髓口,根管显微镜下探查寻找MB2,记录MB2发现率.结果:传统开髓口、改良开髓口和根管显微镜条件下,MB2的发现率分别为45.71%,54.29%,82.86%,肉眼下传统开髓口和改良开髓口MB2的发现率与应用根管显微镜时MB2的发现率存在显著差异(P<0.05).结论:应用根管显微镜可以极大地提高MB2的发现率.     

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。     

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.     

218颗上颌第一恒磨牙根管的临床观察

作者通过临床治疗对２１８颗上颌第一恒磨牙的根管系统、根管数目、工作长度、根管口分布位置的规律进行观察分析，２１８颗患牙中男性９７颗，女性１２１颗。患者年龄１３～７６岁。近中颊根有２个根管的２８颗，占１２．８４％；根管数目与性别和牙位无显著关系，且随着年龄增长有所减少。从而提出对上颌第一恒磨牙进行牙髓治疗时，应注意根管系统的变异；改进开髓洞形，掌握查找近中颊根第二根管方法，以免遗漏根管。