Intercanal Communications Research Articles

Manual versus reciprocating endodontic debridement of equine cheek teeth: Micro-computed tomography findings.

In orthograde endodontic treatments, different methods are available to debride the pulp canals of endodontically compromised equine cheek teeth, but their efficacy is unknown. To explore and compare the efficacy and anatomical changes caused by manual versus reciprocating filing techniques in equine cheek teeth, to explore the presence of instrumentation mishaps described in human dentistry and to explore anatomical complexities of the pulp cavity that often remain uninstrumented using microcomputed tomography (μCT). Ex-vivo randomised experiments. Twenty-two extracted healthy equine cheek teeth were randomised into two groups: debridement with nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) manual H-files and debridement with Ni-Ti reciprocating K-files. All canals of all teeth were instrumented by a single clinician and μCT scans made before and after instrumentation were digitally analysed to compare the change in pulp volume, loss of dental material, percentages of instrumented pulp canal wall at three levels, instrumentation times and instrumentation mishaps between both techniques. The data were analysed using either an Independent samples T-test or Mann-Whitney U-test with p < 0.05 denoting a statistically significant difference. The use of reciprocating files resulted in a statistically significant advantage at apical levels when it comes to the percentage of instrumented root canal surface (p < 0.01; reciprocating mean 12% ± 6; manual mean 3% ± 3). No other significant differences were found between the methods. Instrumentation mishaps were detected in this study and were equally distributed between the two groups. Frequently uninstrumented regions consisted of intercanal communications, root canal branches, narrow corners of pulp canals and branches of pulp horns. Convenience sample, use of healthy cheek teeth, ex vivo debridement. The debridement efficacy in equine cheek teeth is generally poor with a slight apical advantage using reciprocating instruments. Instrumentation mishaps should be kept in mind when performing endodontic procedures in the equine patient.

Performance of obturation techniques in anatomical irregularities located at different thirds of the root canal system.

This study aimed to compare the quality of root canal obturation (ratio of area occupied by gutta-percha (G), sealer (S), and presence of voids (V)) in different anatomical irregularities (intercanal communications, lateral irregularities, and accessory canals) located at different thirds of the root canal system of mandibular molar replicas. Sixty-seven 3D printed replicas of an accessed mandibular molar were prepared using ProGlider and ProTaper Gold rotatory systems. Three specimens were randomly selected to be used as controls and did not receive further treatment. The rest were randomly distributed in 4 experimental groups to be obturated using either cold lateral compaction (LC), continuous wave of condensation (CW), and core-carrier obturation (ThermafilPlus (TH) or GuttaCore (GC)) (n=16 per group). AHPlus® sealer was used in all groups. The three controls and a specimen from each experimental group were scanned using micro-computed tomography. The rest of the replicas were sectioned at the sites of anatomical irregularities and examined at 30× magnification. The G, S, and V ratios were calculated dividing the area occupied with each element by the total root canal area and then compared among groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Voids were present in all obturation techniques with ratios from 0.01 to 0.15. CW obtained a significantly higher G ratio in the irregularity located in the coronal third (0.882) than LC (0.681), TH (0.773), and GC (0.801) (p<0.05). TH and GC achieved significantly higher G ratios in those located in the apical third (p<0.05). The worst quality of obturation was observed in the loop accessory canal with all obturation techniques. Whitin the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that CW and core-carrier obturation are respectively the most effective techniques for obturating anatomical irregularities located in the coronal and the apical third.

Root and canal morphology of third molar teeth

Restorative and prosthetic considerations usually necessitates endodontic treatment of third molars in order to retain them as a functional component of the dental arch. However, the anatomy of third molars has been described as unpredictable. To date, there has been little published work on root and canal morphology of third molars, with an adequate sample size. The aim of this study was to investigate root and canal morphology of third molars. Maxillary and mandibular third molars were gathered from dental surgeries within north Jordan. Following access cavity preparation, pulp tissue was removed and root canals stained. Teeth were subject to examination after rendering them clear by immersion in methyl salicylate, and the following features evaluated: (1) number of roots; (2) number and type of root canals; (3) number and position of lateral canals; and (4) presence of inter-canal communications. Out of the examined 592 maxillary third molars, 69.9% had three roots, 10.81% had one, 9.79% had two, 9.12% had four, and 0.34% had five roots. Most had three (52.36%) and four canals (28.2%) with less frequency of two (11.48%), one (5.91%) and five canals (2.03%). Of the 639 mandibular third molars, 89.76% had two roots, 7.35% had three, 2.5% had one, and 0.47% had four roots. Most had three (55.71%) and two canals (29.42%) with less frequency of four (13.61%), one (1.09%) and five canals (0.15%). The majority of maxillary third molars had 3 roots, while the majority of mandibular third molars had two. Overall, nearly half of the maxillary and mandibular third molars had three canals. New canal configurations, not previously described in the literature nor included in Vertucci’s classifications, were identified in both maxillary and mandibular third molars.

Effectiveness of Retreatment of Oval-Shaped Canals Filled With Warm Gutta-Percha: A Systematic Review

Oval-shaped canals with their isthmuses and inter-canal communications represent a challenge for secondary endodontic treatment. Different techniques have been proposed to enhance the filling removal during retreatment procedures of oval canals filled with warm gutta-percha techniques. The aim of this review article is to systematically summarize and analyze published in vitro studies over a ten-year period of time (2012-2022), evaluating the effectiveness of retreatment of oval-shaped canals filled with warm vertical compaction technique and/or carrier-based gutta-percha. A thorough search in PubMed - MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library and Science Direct databases and manual web search was performed. After the investigations were assessed by two reviewers. A total number of eleven articles out of 145 titles covered all eligibility criteria and were selected for further synthesis. All articles investigated the effectiveness of retreatment techniques in oval-shaped root canals filled with warm vertical compaction or/and carrier-based gutta-percha. According to the present review none of the currently described retreatment techniques resulted in completely clean of remnants root canal walls. Secondary endodontic treatment is still a difficult procedure and due to the complex anatomy of oval-shaped root canals, their retreatment represents even a bigger challenge and often requires additional cleaning procedures.

Morphological Variability of Permanent Mandibular First Premolar Teeth in Manipuri Population

Aim: To investigate anatomical and morphological variability of permanent mandibular first premolar teeth in the population of Manipur state of Indian subcontinent. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and eighty teeth from a pool of Manipuri population were studied for anatomical and morphological variability using staining and clearing technique. All samples were evaluated for the number of roots, root canals, root canal configuration, presence of lateral canals, intercanal communications, and apical deltas. Results: Single root with one canal was present in 81.25% (390/480) and single root with two canals in 18.75% (90/480) of samples. Root canal configuration according to Vertucci's classification was as follows: Type I (43.7%) followed by Type V (25%), Type VI (12.5%), and Type II, III, and VII (6.25%). Intercanal communications in the apical third were 12.5% (60/480) and 6.25% (30/480) in the middle third of the root. Occurrence of lateral canals in the apical third was 18.75% (90/480). Apical delta was found in 37.75% (180/480) of samples. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the variability patterns of mandibular first premolar tooth existent in the population of the state of Manipur. Single-rooted teeth are most common with predominantly Vertucci's Type I root canal configuration and significant presence of lateral canals and apical ramifications. Clinical Significance: Sound knowledge of anatomy of the root canal and possible variations can contribute to a successful treatment outcome.

An original micro‐CT study and meta‐analysis of the internal and external anatomy of maxillary molars—implications for endodontic treatment

The aim of this work was to conduct a radiological micro-CT study and meta-analysis to determine the morphological features of the root canal anatomy of the maxillary molars. The radiological study included micro-CT scans of 110 maxillary first molars and 98 maxillary second molars. To identify articles eligible for inclusion in our meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were search comprehensively. The following data were extracted: study type (cadaveric, intraoperative or imaging), Vertucci types of canal configuration, presence/number of canals, roots, apical foramina, apical deltas, and inter-canal communications. The mesiobuccal root was the most variable with respect to canal configuration, type I being the most common configuration followed by type II and type IV. Type I was the most common canal configuration in the distobuccal and palatal root. Regarding the number of canals in the maxillary first and second molars, one canal was most prevalent in all roots of the three molars, except for the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar, in which two canals were most prevalent. The most prevalent number of roots in all maxillary molars was three. Knowledge of endodontic anatomy determines the parameters of root canal treatment and significantly affects the probability of success. It is therefore especially important to know the morphology of the root canal system in order to perform endodontic treatment correctly. Clin. Anat. 31:838-853, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Root form and canal morphology of maxillary first premolars of a Yemeni population

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate variations in the root canal systems of permanent maxillary first premolars in a Yemeni population using a clearing technique.MethodsTwo hundred fifty permanent maxillary first premolar teeth extracted from Yemeni individuals were collected. A small hole in the center of the occlusal surface of each tooth was prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Teeth were stored in 5–10% nitric acid solution for 5–6 days. Next, teeth were rinsed, dried, and dehydrated using ascending concentrations of ethanol (70, 95, and 100%) successively for 12 h each. Waterproof black ink was injected into the dried dehydrated teeth. Stained teeth were then rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate solution (98%) until evaluation. Root canal morphology of each tooth was then examined.Results54.8% of teeth were single-rooted, while 44.4% were double-rooted and only 0.8% had three separated roots. The most common canal system configuration was Vertucci type IV (55.6%). Eight specimens of the single-rooted premolars (3.2%) had new canal configurations that have not been recognized in previous published studies. Accessory canals and inter-canal communications were detected in a total of 52.8 and 34.4% of the specimens, respectively. The apical foramen was located centrally to the apex in 84.9% and apical deltas were found in 13.2% of the studied sample.ConclusionsYemeni permanent maxillary first premolars are mainly single-rooted and predominantly present Vertucci type IV canal morphology. The finding of additional canal configurations in this study is low but should be kept in mind when performing endodontic therapy for these teeth.

Internal and external morphology of mandibular molars: An original micro‐CT study and meta‐analysis with review of implications for endodontic therapy

The aim of this radiological micro-CT study and meta-analysis was to determine the morphological features of the root canal anatomy of the mandibular molars. The radiological study included micro-CT scans of 108 mandibular first, 120 mandibular second, and 146 mandibular third molars. For our meta-analysis, an extensive search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify articles eligible for inclusion. Data extracted included investigative method (cadaveric, intraoperative, or imaging), Vertucci type of canal configuration, presence/number of canals, roots, apical foramina, apical deltas, and intercanal communications. In the mesial roots of mandibular molars, the most frequent Vertucci type of canal configuration was type IV, except for the mandibular third molar where type I was most common. Type I was most common in the distal root. There were usually two canals in the mesial root and one in the distal root. Two was the most common number of roots, and a third root was most prevalent in Asia. One apical foramen was most common in the distal root and two apical foramina in the mesial root. Intercanal communications were most frequent in the mesial root. Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the mandibular molars can make root canal therapy more likely to succeed. We recommend the use of cone-beam computed tomography before and after endodontic treatment to enable the root anatomy to be accurately described and properly diagnosed, and treatment outcome to be assessed. Clin. Anat. 31:797-811, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE MESIOBUCCAL ROOT IN MAXILLARY FIRST MOLAR WITH DIFFERENT METHODS IN EGYPTIAN POPULATION

Aim: to study the canal anatomy and its variations of mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar using visual, CT, CBCT, and staining and clearing. Materials and Methods: Three hundred extracted permanent maxillary first molar teeth were selected for this study. Mesio-buccal roots were resected 1 mm coronal to the trifurcation level. The orifices of the canals were located with a size 10 K-type file which was passively advanced into the canals until the tip of the instrument penetrated the apical foramen for visual examination. The number of orifices and apical foramina in each root were recorded. All roots were embedded in a sheet of pink wax with vertical orientation and arranged in their numbers to facilitate three dimensional CT and CBCT scan and the data were stored on a magnetic optical disc. Both, CT and CBCT images were assessed by a calibrated dental radiology specialist blinded to the order of roots using Vitrea 2 V 3.8 imaging software. India ink was injected into the orifices of the root canals with a plastic disposable endodontic irrigating syringe with a 27-G needle with suction tip which was placed at the root apex to draw the ink through the root canal system. All roots were decalcified with 5% hydrochloric acid for three days, dehydrated in ascending concentrations of ethanol (75%, 85%, 96% and 100%) for four hours each, and transparent specimens were obtained by immersing the dehydrated roots in methyl salicylate solution, in which the roots were stored until they were examined. The data regarding root canal morphology of each sample from all evaluation methods were tabulated and compared statistically. Results: There were significant differences between the four methods used for studying the root canal anatomy of mesiobuccal root of first maxillary molars as regarding the number of canals, number of orifices, number of apical foramina, presence of lateral accessory canals and intercanal communications. Roots with three canals and three orifices and opened apically with two foramina showed no significant differences between the four methods. Also, with Kappa test, there was good and fair agreement between CBCT & CT and CBCT & staining and clearing respectively. Conclusion: the most detailed information can be obtained in-vitro by staining and clearing and high resolution CT and CBCT methods which are commonly used as a diagnostic aid in clinical endodontics

Root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in Saudi Arabian southern region subpopulation

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal morphology of Saudi Arabian mandibular first premolars by tooth clearing technique. Materials and Methods: One-hundred mandibular first premolars were collected from different dental schools and primary health care centers of the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Access cavities were prepared, the pulp tissue was dissolved, and teeth were subjected to clearing technique protocol. The transparent teeth were examined under dental microscope and following features were analyzed: number of roots, number of root canals, number of apical foramina, root canal configuration (Vertucci's classification), number of lateral canals, and intercanal communications. Results: Of the 100 mandibular first premolars, 80% had a single root, 18% had two roots, whereas 2% were three rooted. Seventy-two percent had a single canal, 26% had two canals, and 2% teeth had three canals. Seventy-three percent had a single apical foramen, 19% had two foramens, 2% had three apical foramens, and 6% had multiple apical foramina (apical delta). Sixty-nine percent had Type I, 8% had Type III, 4% had Type IV, 16% had Type V, 2% had Type IX, and 1% had an additional root canal configuration. Lateral canals were found in 38% and intercanal communications in 16% teeth. Conclusions: Although the majority of the study samples had a single root and one root canal, two roots were found in 18% and two canals in 26%. Such morphological variations should be taken into consideration to ensure successful root canal treatment of these teeth.

Root canal morphology of mandibular first molars in a North Indian subpopulation: An in vitro clearing study

Introduction: Limited information is available about the canal morphology of mandibular first molars in North Indian population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of North Indian mandibular first molars by clearing and staining technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 863 mandibular first molars collected from various places in North India were subjected to canal staining and decalcification procedures. Access cavities were prepared, and pulp tissue dissolved with sodium hypochlorite. Indian ink was injected into the root canals aided by negative pressure applied at the root tips. The stained teeth were decalcified with 7% hydrochloric acid. Instead of ascending concentrations of alcohol, a nonalcohol-based drying agent (anhydrous calcium chloride) was used to remove traces of acid and water from the specimens. The dried specimens were immersed in methyl salicylate to render them transparent. The following features were observed under operating microscope at ×6 magnification: (i) Number of root canals per tooth, (ii) number of root canals per root, (iii) root canal configuration in each root (Vertucci's classification), and (iv) lateral canals, intercanal communications, and their location. Results: Majority had two roots (85%) with three (61%) and four (30%) canals. Three roots were present in 15% of the specimens. Type IV (49%) and type I (48%) were the most common configurations in mesial and distal roots, respectively. Conclusion: First molars with two roots and three canals are a common feature in North Indian patients. Both roots showed wide variations in canal anatomy with type IV and type I configurations predominating in mesial and distal roots, respectively.

A Micro-Computed Tomography Study of the Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Premolars in an Emirati Population

Objective: To investigate variations in the root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in a population from the United Arab Emirates using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and conventional radiography. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional images of 50 extracted human mandibular first premolars were produced using a micro-CT scanner, and conventional radiography was also used to record the number of roots, the root canal system configuration, the presence of a C-shaped canal system and lateral canals, intercanal communications, and the number and location of apical foramina. The interpretations of micro-CT and conventional radiography were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Results: Variable root canal configurations based on Vertucci's classification were observed in the teeth (i.e., types I, III, IV, V, and VII). The examined teeth exhibited the following 2 additional root canal configurations, which did not fit Vertucci's classification: type 1-2-3 and type 1-3. A C-shaped canal configuration was present in 14 (28%) cases, and lateral canals were present in 22 (44%) cases. Apical deltas were found in 25 (50%) cases, intercanal communications were seen in 6 (12%) cases, and apical loops were seen in 2 (4%) of the samples. Micro-CT and X-ray imaging identified 39 (78%) and 34 (68%) apical foramina, respectively. A single apical foramen was detected in 33 (66%) samples, and 2 or 3 apical foramina were detected in 14 (28 %) and 3 (6%) samples, respectively. In 18.5 (37%) samples the apical foramina were located centrally, and in 31 (62%) they were located laterally. Conclusion: A complex morphology of the mandibular first premolars was observed with a high prevalence of multiple root canal systems.

Root and root canal morphology of third molars in a Jordanian subpopulation

Introduction: The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the root and root canal morphology of human third molars in a Jordanian subpopulation and (2) determine the effect of age, gender, and tooth location on the morphology of these teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 159 maxillary and mandibular third molars were used in this study. After canal staining and tooth clearing, the specimens were examined, and the following morphological features were recorded: Number of roots and presence of roots fusion, number of canals and their configurations in each root, total number of canals per tooth, and incidence of lateral canals and intercanal communications. Results: The majority (74.2%) of maxillary molars had 3 roots and 3 (55.1%) or 4 (27%) canals while the majority (74.3%) of mandibular molars had 2 roots and 2 (38.6%) or 3 (45.7%) canals. Roots fusion was found in 70.1% of maxillary molars and 40.7% of mandibular molars. Type I canal configuration was the predominant type in distal roots of mandibular molars and distobuccal and palatal roots of maxillary molars. Multiple canals were evident in 36% of the maxillary mesiobuccal roots and 56% of mandibular mesial roots. Single/fused roots showed a wide range of canals number and configurations. The number of roots and canals in both molars did not differ with gender, age, and tooth location. Females had a higher incidence of roots fusion than males and this difference was significant in mandibular molars (P = 0.034). Conclusions: Third molars showed a range of root and canal morphologies. Careful preoperative assessment is essential before commencing root canal treatment on these teeth.

Root canal anatomy of mandibular first premolars in an Emirati subpopulation: A laboratory study.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the root canal anatomy of mandibular first premolar teeth in an Emirati subpopulation using a decalcification and clearing method.Materials and Methods:One hundred permanent mandibular first premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes from an Emirati subpopulation from the United Arab Emirates were used for this study. They were subjected to decalcification and clearing. The tooth length, the canal orifice shape, mesial invagination, canal pattern, the location of apex, presence of lateral canals, and intercanal communications were determined.Results:The most common canal pattern was the Vertucci Type I (65%) followed by Type V (14%) and Type IV (13%). The most common type of canal orifice seen was the oval shape (36%) followed by the round shape (25%). Mesial invaginations were seen in 44% of the teeth. The mean tooth length was 19.9 mm, and apical deltas were seen in 24% of teeth.Conclusion:The Vertucci Type I canal pattern was the most prevalent in the mandibular first premolars while the occurrence of multiple canals was noted in 35% of this population.

Variations in the Root Form and Root Canal Morphology of Permanent Mandibular First Molars in a Sri Lankan Population.

The present study was conducted to determine the number of roots and morphology of the root canal system of permanent mandibular first molars (M1) in a Sri Lankan population. Sample of 529 M1 teeth was used. The number of roots was examined and the lengths of the mesial and distal roots were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm. Vacuum injection protocol was used to inject China ink into the root canal system, making it transparent. Root canal morphology was recorded using Vertucci's classification. Presence of furcation canals, position of lateral canals, intercanal communications, level of bifurcation, and convergence of the root canal system were recorded. M1 showed three roots in 4.1% of the sample. Commonest root canal morphology of the mesial root was type IV and the distal root was type I. The level of bifurcation of the root canals was commonly observed in the cervical one-third of the root while convergence was observed in the apical one-third in both roots. Prevalence of three rooted mandibular first molars is less than 5%. Mesial root showed the most variable canal morphology. Prevalence of furcation canals was 1.5% while that of middle mesial canals was 0.2%.

Root and canal morphology of maxillary first premolar teeth in north Indian population using clearing technique: An in vitro study.

Aim:The purpose of this study was to determine the root form and canal configuration in maxillary first premolars.Materials and Methods:A total of 250 extracted human adult maxillary first premolar teeth from North Indian population were collected. Access cavities were prepared and the coronal pulp tissue was extirpated. The samples were stored in 5% nitric acid solution for 5 days. They were then rinsed, dried, and dehydrated using increasing concentrations of ethanol (70, 80, and 95%) successively for 1 day. Teeth were rendered transparent by immersing in methyl salicylate. India ink was then injected. The root canal morphology was examined under stereomicroscope.Result:53.6% were single rooted followed by fused root form followed by two root form. 0.4% had three rooted maxillary first premolar. Variable root canal configurations were also found. Type IV configuration was most prevalent (33.2%). Two teeth showed an additional configuration. Lateral canals were present in 34.8% of the samples and intercanal communications in 16%.Conclusion:Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that in North Indian population, there was an increased propensity for types IV, I, II, and III canal morphologies in maxillary first premolars. Single root form was most common.

Comparison of mandibular first molar mesial root canal morphology using micro-computed tomography and clearing technique

Objective. Micro-computed tomography (MCT) with alternative image reformatting techniques shows complex and detailed root canal anatomy. This study compared two-dimensional (2D) and 3D MCT image reformatting with standard tooth clearing for studying mandibular first molar mesial root canal morphology. Materials and methods. Extracted human mandibular first molar mesial roots (n = 31) were scanned by MCT (Skyscan 1172). 2D thin-slab minimum intensity projection (TS-MinIP) and 3D volume rendered images were constructed. The same teeth were then processed by clearing and staining. For each root, images obtained from clearing, 2D, 3D and combined 2D and 3D techniques were examined independently by four endodontists and categorized according to Vertucci’s classification. Fine anatomical structures such as accessory canals, intercanal communications and loops were also identified. Results. Agreement among the four techniques for Vertucci’s classification was 45.2% (14/31). The most frequent were Vertucci’s type IV and then type II, although many had complex configurations that were non-classifiable. Generally, complex canal systems were more clearly visible in MCT images than with standard clearing and staining. Fine anatomical structures such as intercanal communications, accessory canals and loops were mostly detected with a combination of 2D TS-MinIP and 3D volume-rendering MCT images. Conclusions. Canal configurations and fine anatomic structures were more clearly observed in the combined 2D and 3D MCT images than the clearing technique. The frequency of non-classifiable configurations demonstrated the complexity of mandibular first molar mesial root canal anatomy.

Comparison of Alternative Image Reformatting Techniques in Micro–Computed Tomography and Tooth Clearing for Detailed Canal Morphology

IntroductionMicro–computed tomography (MCT) shows detailed root canal morphology that is not seen with traditional tooth clearing. However, alternative image reformatting techniques in MCT involving 2-dimensional (2D) minimum intensity projection (MinIP) and 3-dimensional (3D) volume-rendering reconstruction have not been directly compared with clearing. The aim was to compare alternative image reformatting techniques in MCT with tooth clearing on the mesiobuccal (MB) root of maxillary first molars. MethodsEighteen maxillary first molar MB roots were scanned, and 2D MinIP and 3D volume-rendered images were reconstructed. Subsequently, the same MB roots were processed by traditional tooth clearing. Images from 2D, 3D, 2D + 3D, and clearing techniques were assessed by 4 endodontists to classify canal configuration and to identify fine anatomic structures such as accessory canals, intercanal communications, and loops. ResultsAll image reformatting techniques in MCT showed detailed configurations and numerous fine structures, such that none were classified as simple type I or II canals; several were classified as types III and IV according to Weine classification or types IV, V, and VI according to Vertucci; and most were nonclassifiable because of their complexity. The clearing images showed less detail, few fine structures, and numerous type I canals. Classification of canal configuration was in 100% intraobserver agreement for all 18 roots visualized by any of the image reformatting techniques in MCT but for only 4 roots (22.2%) classified according to Weine and 6 (33.3%) classified according to Vertucci, when using the clearing technique. ConclusionsThe combination of 2D MinIP and 3D volume-rendered images showed the most detailed canal morphology and fine anatomic structures.

Minimum-intensity projection for in-depth morphology study of mesiobuccal root

This micro-computed tomography (MCT) study investigated the utility of thin-slab minimum-intensity projection (TS-MinIP) technique as an adjunct to 3-dimensional (3D) modeling for in-depth morphology study. One hundred one extracted maxillary first molars were scanned for microtomographic analysis (SkyScan). Two-dimensional TS-MinIP and 3D images of mesiobuccal (MB) roots were produced and analyzed to record the number and configurations of the canals, the incidence and location of accessory canals, loop, and intercanal connections, and number of foramina. Multiple-canal MB roots were present in 76.2%, and all of the roots had intercanal communications. Weine type III configuration was the most common in the multiple-canal roots. Accessory canals were found in 78.2% of the roots. Configurations that were nonclassifiable were found in 10.9% of the MB roots. MB root canal anatomy was complex, and MinIP may serve as an adjunct to 3D modeling for in-depth morphology study.

Morphologic characteristics of root canal of mandibular incisors in North-East Indian population: An in vitro study

Aim:To aim of this study is to investigate the root canal characteristics of mandibular incisors in a North East Indian population using a canal staining and tooth-clearing technique.Materials and Methods:Four hundred and eighty extracted mandibular incisors, collected from dental clinics within North East India were selected for this study. Following pulp tissue removal, the teeth were decalcified with 5% nitric acid, dehydrated with ascending concentrations of alcohol and rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate. After staining of the canal systems with India ink, cleared teeth were examined under 5X magnification and the following features were evaluated: (i) number and type of root canals; (ii) presence and location of lateral canals and intercanal communications; (iii) location of apical foramina; and, (iv) Bifurcation of canals.Results:The majority of mandibular incisors had a single canal (63.75% of teeth possessed a Type I canal system). Although 36.25% of the roots possessed two canals, only 6.25% had two separate apical foramina.Conclusions:The prevalence of two canals in this group (of North East Indians) of mandibular incisors was 36.25% and is within the range of previous studies performed on populations of different racial origin.