Use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography to Evaluate Root Canal Morphology and Locate Root Canal Orifices of Maxillary Second Premolars in a Chinese Subpopulation

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate root canal morphology and locate root canal orifices of maxillary second premolars in a Chinese subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging.

Methods

A total of 392 cone-beam computed tomographic images of maxillary second premolars were obtained from 238 patients who required a preoperative assessment for implant surgery or orthodontic treatment. The number of roots and root canals and root canal configuration were investigated and categorized using Vertucci's criteria. The distance between the root canal orifice and the anatomic apex and the distance between root canal orifices in those teeth with 2 root canals were measured and evaluated. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze the correlation between the number of roots and sex.

Results

Among the 392 teeth, 86.5% (n = 339) had 1 root; 45.4% (n = 178) of the teeth had 1 root canal, and 54.3% (n = 213) had 2 root canals that ranged from type II–type V. The majority of teeth with 2 root canals showed a type IV canal configuration (n = 79, 20.2%) followed by type II (n = 64, 16.3%), type III (n = 45, 11.4%), and type V (n = 25, 6.4%). Only 1 tooth had 3 root canals. No significant difference was found between the number of roots and sex (P > .05). Among the 213 teeth with 2 root canals, the most frequent distribution of the distance between the root canal orifice and the anatomic apex was 5–10 mm (n = 157). The distance between the 2 orifices of 189 teeth was 1–4 mm.

Conclusions

The frequency of teeth with 2 root canals was high in maxillary second premolars. The internal morphology of teeth with 2 root canals was variable. This study provided useful information about the root canal morphology of maxillary second premolars in a Chinese subpopulation.     

Evaluation of Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Permanent First Molars in a North American Population by Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the number of roots and canal morphology of maxillary permanent first molars in a North American population.

Methods

Three hundred seventeen cases with bilateral maxillary first molars were included. All images from cone-beam computed tomography were carefully reviewed by 2 endodontists. Frequency of number of roots, presence of an additional mesiobuccal canal (MB2), and Vertucci canal type for each root were tabulated. Age, gender, and ethnicity differences were calculated with the χ² test. The intra-rater reliability was assessed by using the Cohen kappa statistic.

Results

The fused root rate was 0.9%. The occurrence of 3-rooted maxillary first molars differed between left and right sides (P = .03). MB2 occurrence only showed statistically significant differences among age groups (P = .005). In the mesiobuccal roots, the most common Vertucci classifications of canal types were type IV (2-2, 41.9%), type I (1, 28.3%), and type II (2-1, 26.3%). There was a statistically significant difference in Vertucci classification of canal type among 5 ethnic groups (African American, Asian, Hispanic, Other, and Non-Hispanic white, P < .001).

Conclusions

Cone-beam computed tomography facilitates the identification of root and canal configuration. The information gained about the tooth anatomy and canal morphology before treatment could potentially facilitate root canal therapy.     

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。     

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.

Four-year Outcome of Nonsurgical Root Canal Retreatment Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Prospective Cohort Study

IntroductionThe purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the 4-year outcome and prognostic factors of nonsurgical root canal retreatment determined by measuring the volumetric change of periapical radiolucencies on cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans.MethodsNinety-seven endodontically treated teeth from 80 patients diagnosed as apical periodontitis and indicated for root canal retreatment were included. Retreatment was performed by 7 endodontic specialists using a standardized treatment protocol. The teeth were reexamined clinically and radiographically 48–67 months after retreatment. The volume of preoperative and postoperative periapical radiolucencies on CBCT images was independently measured by 2 examiners. Radiographic outcome is presented in 4 categories: absence, reduction, enlargement, or unchanged. Reduction or enlargement was determined when the volumetric change of radiolucency was 20% or more. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for predictor analysis.ResultsSixty-two teeth (63.9%) from 50 patients returned for follow-up. Fifty-eight teeth were included in the prognostic analysis, all of which were symptom free. The 4 remaining teeth that had been extracted because of fracture were excluded. The total volume of periapical radiolucencies at 4 years postoperatively decreased by 94.6% compared with that preoperatively (P < .001), with an average reduction of 83.4% (95% confidence interval, 69.2%–97.5%). The periapical radiolucencies were determined as absence in 44 teeth (75.9%), reduction in 10 teeth (17.2%), unchanged in 1 tooth (1.7%), and enlargement in 3 teeth (5.2%). Tooth type was identified as an outcome predictor (P < .05).ConclusionsThe 4-year outcome of endodontic retreatment is predictable, with a significant volumetric reduction in periapical radiolucencies.     

A Study of the Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Anterior Teeth Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in a Chinese Subpopulation

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the root canal configuration of the mandibular anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging in a Chinese subpopulation.MethodsA total of 3,871 CBCT images of mandibular anterior teeth were collected from 648 patients who accepted CBCT projection as a preoperative assessment for implants or orthodontic treatment. The following items were recorded and evaluated: tooth position, root number, canal number, root canal type, the distance between the anatomic apex and the point at which the canal divided into 2 for mandibular anterior teeth with 2 root canals (excluding canines with 2 roots), and the distance between the 2 root canal orifices. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze the correlation between the number of root canals and tooth position.ResultsAll of the incisors in this study had 1 root, and 1.32% of the canines had 2 roots. The prevalence of 2 root canals in the lateral incisors (354, 27.36%) was higher than that in the central incisors (202, 15.71%) (P < .05) and the canines (81, 6.27%) (P < .05).ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of 2 root canals in the mandibular anterior teeth of the studied Chinese subpopulation. This study provides detailed information about the root canal morphology of mandibular anterior teeth in a Chinese subpopulation.     

Proximity of Premolar Roots to Maxillary Sinus: A Radiographic Survey Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Introduction

The proximity of the roots of the posterior maxillary teeth to the maxillary sinus is a constant challenge to the dental practitioner. Because the majority of studies have assessed the relationship regarding molars, the present study focused on premolars.

Methods

Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 192 patients were reconstructed in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes to quantify the distances between the root apices of the maxillary premolars and the adjacent maxillary sinus. Measurements were taken for each root, and data were correlated with age, sex, side, and presence of both or absence of 1 of the 2 premolars.

Results

A total of 296 teeth (177 first and 119 second premolars) were evaluated. The mean distances from buccal roots of the first premolars to the border of the maxillary sinus in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes ranged from 5.15 ± 2.99 to 8.28 ± 6.27 mm. From palatal roots, the mean distances ranged from 4.20 ± 3.69 to 7.17 ± 6.14 mm. The mean distances of second premolars were markedly shorter in buccal roots between 2.32 ± 2.19 and 3.28 ± 3.17 mm and in palatal roots between 2.68 ± 3.58 and 3.80 ± 3.71 mm, respectively. The frequency of a premolar root protrusion into the maxillary sinus was very low in first premolars (0%–7.2%) but higher in second premolars (2.5%–13.6%). Sex, age, side, and presence/absence of premolars failed to significantly influence the mean distances between premolar roots and the maxillary sinus.

Conclusions

Based on the calculated mean distances of the present study, only few premolars (and if so second premolars) would present a risk of violating the border of the maxillary sinus during conventional or surgical endodontic treatment or in case of tooth extraction.     

CBCT与RVG对下颌恒切牙根管形态评估的对比研究

目的:对比CBCT法与数字化X线成像法(RVG)对下颌恒切牙根管形态评估的差异。方法:对101颗离体牙进行唇舌向及近远中向数字化X线片拍摄和CBCT高清牙列模式扫描,对图像进行根管数目、Vertucci根管分型、根管钙化和根尖口开口位置的评估,并通过CBCT图像建立偏角度投照的三角函数模型,计算偏向投照的角度。结果:CBCT法显示有30颗为双根管,RVG近远中向投照显示有36颗为双根管,卡方检验显示对根管数目和Vertucci根管分型两种方法均具有显著性差异(P<0.05)。两种方法对根管钙化和根尖口开口位置的评估均不具有显著性差异。30颗双根管牙中下颌恒切牙唇舌向双根管的最大距离(LaL)在0~1.5 mm之间的,85.7%的为Vertucci III型,LaL在1.5~2 mm之间的,66.7%为Vertucci IV和V型。以根尖片上双根管显示距离为1 mm计算,LaL在1~2 mm之间的,偏向投照角度为26.6°~45.0°,LaL在0.1~1 mm之间的,偏向投照角度为45.0°~84.3°。结论:CBCT高清牙列模式扫描和RVG投照对于根管数目和Vertucci根管分型的评估具有显著性差异,对于根管钙化和根尖口开口位置的评估不具有显著性差异。LaL在1~2 mm之间时,偏角度投照的临床可操作性较强。     

A Rare Root Canal Configuration of Bilateral Maxillary First Molar with 7 Root Canals Diagnosed Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Scanning: A Case Report

Introduction

The complexity of the root canal system of maxillary molars presents a constant challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of these teeth. This case report describes the importance of a surgical operating microscope and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

Methods

Root canal treatment of a left maxillary first molar with 3 roots and 7 canals was successfully performed. Seven canals were identified with the help of a surgical operating microscope and CBCT imaging. CBCT images also confirmed the 3 roots and 7 canals in the right maxillary first molar.

Results

CBCT images confirmed a type IV canal pattern in the distal and palatal root, whereas the mesial root had a type VIII canal pattern.

Conclusions

The use of a surgical operating microscope and CBCT imaging helps the clinician to diagnose unusual anatomy of a tooth and facilitate successful endodontic treatment.     

上颌第一、第二恒磨牙牙根和根管系统的锥形束CT研究

目的：运用锥形束CT（CBCT）观察中国人群双侧上颌第一、第二磨牙的牙根和根管系统的解剖形态,为临床根管治疗提供依据。方法：选择200名患者的双侧上颌第一、第二恒磨牙（上颌第一恒磨牙354颗、上颌第二恒磨牙360颗）的CBCT扫描数据,使用NNT软件分析上颌第一、第二恒磨牙的牙根数、根管数、根管分型以及双侧对称情况。结果：上颌第一、第二磨牙主要为三根（99.44%和84.44%）。上颌第二磨牙的单根和双根较多见（15.28%）,其根管系统形态复杂,在根尖区有融合趋势。上颌第一磨牙的根管系统主要为3根四根管（78.97%）。上颌第二磨牙的三根管和四根管发现率接近（分别为47.37%和51.64%）。上颌第一磨牙的近颊根管系统主要根管分型为：Ⅳ型（57.79%）、Ⅱ型（19.83%）和Ⅰ型（15.58%）。上颌第二磨牙的近颊根管系统主要根管分型为：Ⅰ型（48.14%）、Ⅳ型（30.43%）和Ⅱ型（17.39%）。上颌第一、第二磨牙的远颊根和腭根主要为单根单根管,存在少量和罕见的变异。上颌第一、第二磨牙近颊根的根管数目和根管分型左右对称。结论：上颌第一磨牙近颊根管系统变异普遍存在,MB2根管为其主要的变异形式。上颌第二磨牙牙根数目和根管形态变异类型多,单根牙和双根牙的根管走向复杂多变。CBCT可以为识别根管形态提供准确依据。     

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.

Association between the Mesiobuccal Canal Configuration,Interorifice Distance,and the Corresponding Root Length of Permanent Maxillary First Molar Tooth: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Study

IntroductionThe aim of this cone-beam computed tomographic study was to evaluate the association between the mesiobuccal root canal configuration (RCC), interorifice distance (IOD), and the corresponding root length of a permanent maxillary first molar tooth.MethodsOne hundred cone-beam computed tomographic scans obtained from the computerized data bank of the institute were studied. The IOD between the first mesiobuccal and second mesiobuccal canal was measured in the axial section where the second mesiobuccal canal was first visualized. The root length was measured from the cementoenamel junction to the root apex in the coronal and sagittal section. The associations of these parameters with the RCC (based on Vertucci’s classification) were evaluated.ResultsThe predominant RCC was observed to be Vertucci type II (89%). The mean root length with this configuration was 11.19 ± 1.35 mm. In type IV RCC, the mean root length was 9.13 ± 0.52 mm. A statistically significant association was established between the root length and RCC (P < .05). In roots with type II and type IV RCC, the mean IOD was 2.58 ± 0.04 mm and 2.62 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. No statistically significant relation was established between the IOD and the type of RCC (P > .05).ConclusionsThe length of the mesiobuccal root is an important anatomic parameter for predicting the type of RCC in the permanent maxillary first molar tooth.     

400颗上颌前牙根管弯曲情况的研究

目的了解上颌前牙根管弯曲情况。方法采用间接数字化X线成像技术拍摄400颗上颌前牙的近远中向和颊舌向X线影像,分析根管的弯曲情况。结果上颌前牙根管以Ⅰ型为主。上颌中切牙、侧切牙和尖牙只出现近远中向弯曲的比例为11.17%、16.19%、21.43%,只出现唇舌向弯曲的比例为39.59%、40.00%、29.59%,近远中向和唇舌向都存在弯曲的比例为4.60%、35.24%、24.49%。大约50%左右的上颌前牙根管存在中度弯曲;与上颌切牙相比, 上颌尖牙的弯曲度略大而弯曲半径略小。结论上颌前牙根管弯曲情况较复杂,其中以上颌尖牙为甚。充分了解根管的分型、弯曲度和弯曲半径是完善上颌前牙根管治疗的需要。     

The Validity of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Measuring Root Canal Length Using a Gold Standard

Introduction

The distance between a coronal reference point and the major apical foramen is important for working length determination. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the accuracy of root canal length measurements performed with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans using a gold standard.

Methods

A total of 162 teeth (198 root canals) in 16 dry human dentulous mandibles were scanned using a 3DX-Accuitomo CBCT scanner (Morita 3DX; J Morita Mfg Corp, Kyoto, Japan). The root canal length was measured with CBCT data. All teeth were extracted atraumatically and endodontically accessed; the root canal length was measured blindly using a #10 K-file (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and served as the gold standard.

Results

The mean absolute difference of the CBCT-based root canal length from the gold standard was 0.46 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.50 mm). Only in 9 of 198 (4.5%) roots did the difference between the CBCT-based root canal length and the gold standard exceed 1 mm.

Conclusions

CBCT-based root canal length measurements are accurate and reliable when compared with a gold standard.     

上颌第一前磨牙根管颊舌向弯曲情况的研究

目的研究上颌第一前磨牙根管颊舌向的弯曲情况。方法选择100个上颌第一前磨牙为研究对象,开髓并充分暴露根管口后,将1个K型锉插入根管内直至根尖孔处。利用数字成像系统（RVG）拍摄每个牙的近远中向影像,采用Schneider法测量根管的弯曲角度,计算弯曲半径和弯曲部分长度。结果1）100颗上颌第一前磨牙共有176个根管,88个根管存在颊舌向弯曲,其中53个位于根尖1/3;21个根管存在“S”形弯曲,其第一弯曲多见于根中1/3,第二弯曲均见于根尖1/3处。2）颊腭侧根管弯曲情况无统计学差异（P>0.05）,但“S”形根管第二弯曲的弯曲情况更为复杂。3）弯曲角度与弯曲半径无相关关系（r=0.002,P>0.05）,但与弯曲部分长度呈正相关关系（r=0.489,P<0.01）。结论上颌第一前磨牙根管颊舌向弯曲发生率较高,其中“S”形根管的弯曲情况更为复杂。     

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.

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。     

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.

Differences on the Root and Root Canal Morphologies between Asian and White Ethnic Groups Analyzed by Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Introduction

Populations from different geographic regions and ethnic backgrounds may present differences in dental morphology. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in root and root canal configurations on Asian and white subpopulations using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging.

应用锥形束CT对成人上颌前磨牙牙根和根管系统形态的研究

目的：运用锥形束CT（CBCT）观察中国人群上颌前磨牙的牙根和根管系统的解剖形态,为临床根管治疗提供影像学依据。方法：选择200名患者的双侧上颌前磨牙（上颌第一前磨牙、上颌第二前磨牙各358颗）的CBCT扫描数据,使用NNT软件分析上颌第一、第二前磨牙的牙根数、根管数、根管分型以及双侧对称情况。结果：上颌第一前磨牙主要为单根（65.92%）和双根（33.80%）。上颌第二前磨牙主要为单根（93.85%）。上颌第一前磨牙的根管系统主要为双根管（84.36%）。上颌第二前磨牙的根管系统单、双根管比例接近（分别为52.79%和46.08%）。上颌第一前磨牙主要根管分型为：Ⅳ型（48.32%）、Ⅱ型（24.30%）和Ⅰ型（12.56%）。上颌第二前磨牙主要根管分型为：Ⅰ型（51.68%）、Ⅱ型（21.51%）和Ⅳ型（14.25%）。上颌第一、第二前磨牙的根管分型左右对称（对称率分别为74.57%和81.29%）。上颌前磨牙根管系统的主要变异为：管间交通支、颊根C形根管和多根管（树形根管或神经根样根管）。结论：上颌第一、第二前磨牙的根管系统主要为单根管和双根管。术前了解根管形态的变异是治疗成功的关键因素。