Root apical third and canal morphology of teeth with hypercementosis

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aims at studying the influence of hypercementosis over root and root canal morphology us-ing different methods of observation (clearing technique, radiography, stereomicroscopy and optical microscopy). Methods: 130 teeth were selected for morphological com-parative evaluation; all teeth were previously radiographed and stereomicroscopically evaluated. Out of these, 60 teeth with hypercementosis and 30 without it were selected for clearing technique evaluation. The analysis was based on aspects such as: type of hypercementosis; root canal num-ber and configuration; root surface and presence of apical foramen and apical deltas. The remaining 20 teeth with hy-percementosis were microscopically compared to 20 teeth with normal root formation by means of the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H.E.) staining technique, so as to study the ce-mentum deposition pattern and morphological aspects of the root canal. The evaluation was performed by two ex-aminers and submitted to Kappa agreement test. The data obtained was compared through non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test, and the Dunn test was applied for individual comparisons. Results: The root clearing examination showed higher frequency of club shaped hypercementosis (65%) followed by focal hyperce-mentosis (35%). Teeth with hypercementosis showed sig-nificant increase in the presence of apical deltas (53.3%). A higher frequency of root canal constrictions (55%), and changes in the original root canal path (46.6%) were also observed. Microscopic evaluation supports the influence of hypercementosis over the morphological characteristics of root apical third formation. Conclusions: These findings show the existence of a complex root canal anatomy at the apical third of teeth with hypercementosis, which may hinder root canal treatment.Keywords: Hypercementosis. Dental pulp cavity. Endodontics.