Location and shape of the apical foramina in posterior teeth: an in-vitro analysis.

Abstract

To analyze the morphology of shapes and positions of the apical foramina in permanent maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. Examination of the apical foramina was performed with a stereomicroscope at a magnification of 10×. The anatomic parameters evaluated were the shapes of the peripheral contours of the apical foramina (rounded, oval, asymmetric, and semilunar). The location of the apical foramen was recorded as a center, buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal surface. Results have shown that the frequency of deviation was 68% in all teeth being assessed, while the most frequent location of the apical foramen was in the center, with 32% followed by distal with 18%. The common shape of apical foramina was round shape in all the teeth. The variation in the location and shapes of apical foramina in teeth. The commonest deviation in location of apical foramina was distal and the frequent shape was of a round shape.