Mandibular Birinci Molar Dişlerin Mezial Köklerindeki Apikal Delta Morfolojisinin Kantitatif İncelenmesi: Bir Mikro-BT Çalışması

Abstract

Objective: The apical delta is the branching of the main root canal dividing into three or more ramifications near the root apex, while the main canal itself becoming indistinguishable. Aim of this study was to analyze apical delta morphologies of mesial root canals of mandibular first molar teeth quantitatively using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Material and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-nine mesial roots of mandibular first molar teeth were scanned by micro-CT. Following the initial scanning, 22 specimens showing apical delta ramifications were selected from reconstructed micro-CT images. The numbers and vertical extension of the apical ramifications were recorded. For each specimen, major diameter, minor diameter and roundness values at the most apical slices of the apical delta ramifications and at the slice where ramifications merged to form to main canal were calculated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The incidence of apical delta was 13.01%. A total of 96 apical delta ramifications were quantitatively analyzed. The mean number of apical delta ramifications was 4.45 per specimen and the mean vertical extension was 0.95 mm. Majority of the apical delta ramifications exhibited noncircular cross sectional shape. Conclusion: The occurrence of apical delta is not uncommon in clinical practice. The shape, number and the height of the apical delta are variable. These complex morphological properties of apical delta might complicate three-dimensional shaping and obturation of root canal systems.