Root Morphology Of Teeth Research Articles

Radiographic Evaluation of Root and Canal Morphologies of Third Molar Teeth in Iranian Population

Background: Root and canal morphology of teeth has a significant role in endodontic treatment success. Third molars have strategic roles after losing first and second molars. Objectives: This study investigated the morphology of permanent third molar using radiography in Dentistry University of Hamadan during 2011. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 352 extracted molars (179 maxillary and 173 mandibular molars) were collected. After preparing access cavity and file placement in canals, to investigate the number of roots, canals and canal type periapical radiographies were taken from two directions (mesiodistal and buccolingual). The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software and descriptive statistics. Results: According to the study on 173 mandibular third molars, 92.4%, 4.6%, and 2.89% had two, one, and three roots, respectively. Majority of them had two or three canals and most of mesial root canals were type 2; but in 179 maxillary third molars, findings showed that 67.6%, 15%, 11.7%, and 5.6% of teeth had three, one, two, and four roots, respectively, majority of which had three canals (68.7%). Canals of 100% of distobuccal and palatal roots and 91% of mesiobuccal roots were type 1. Conclusions: However, root and canal anatomies of third molar teeth are unknown, but studies focusing on third molar teeth have shown their possibility of treatment

Analisi della morfologia radicolare e canalare di molari superiori ed inferiori in una popolazione Caucasica: studio in vivo alla CBCT

AimTo investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular permanent molar teeth in a Caucasian population by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). MethodsA total of 596 permanent molars were included. The number of roots, the number of canals per root and the root canal configurations according to the method of Vertucci were recorded. ResultsAlmost all of maxillary first molars (95.7%) had three separate roots; however, 40.3% of mesiobuccal roots had two canals (MB2). Of 157 maxillary second molars, 88.5% had three roots. Among the mesiobuccal roots, 15.1% had two canals. The majority of mandibular molars (100% of first molars, 89.4% of second molars) had two separate roots. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal. ConclusionsCBCT is an efficient method of studying root canal systems.

Diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography, stereo-scanography and cone beam CT for assessment of mandibular third molars before surgery

Objective. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic imaging, stereo-scanography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for assessment of mandibular third molars. Material and methods. One hundred and twelve patients (147 third molars) underwent radiographic examination by panoramic imaging, stereo-scanography and CBCT. Tooth angulation, root morphology, number of roots and relation to the mandibular canal were assessed. The same variables were assessed intra- and post-operatively and served as reference for the radiographic assessments. The diagnostic accuracy for each variable was compared between the three modalities and accuracy was further expressed as sensitivity and specificity and tested between the modalities for identifying the relation to the mandibular canal. Results. There were no significant differences between the modalities regarding tooth angulation, root morphology and number of roots. However, CBCT was more accurate than stereo-scanography for determining root bending in the bucco-lingual plane (p = 0.02). Moreover, sensitivity for direct contact to the mandibular canal (panoramic imaging: 0.29, stereo-scanography: 0.57, CBCT: 0.67) was higher for CBCT than for panoramic images (p = 0.05) and specificity for no direct contact to the mandibular canal (panoramic imaging: 0.78, stereo-scanography: 0.53, CBCT: 0.68) was higher for panoramic images and CBCT than for scanograms (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Panoramic imaging, stereo-scanography and CBCT seem equally valuable for examination of tooth angulation, number and morphology of roots of mandibular third molars. However, CBCT was more accurate for assessment of root bending in the bucco-lingual plane and more accurate than panoramic images to identify direct contact to the mandibular canal.

Bilateral Single Rooted Mandibular Primary First Molars

ABSTRACTStudies and reports on root and canal morphology of primary teeth have been rare. This report describes the presence of an unusual developmental anomaly of a single root in both mandibular primary first molars in contrast to the standard description of two roots and three or four canals.How to cite this articleSubhadra HN, Sevekar SA, Prabhakar AR. Bilateral Single Rooted Mandibular Primary First Molars. J Contemp Dent 2013;3(3):151-152.

Anterior tooth root morphology and size in Neanderthals: Taxonomic and functional implications

Comparing modern humans and Neanderthals, we have previously shown that recent modern humans (RMH) and Neanderthals differ in anterior root lengths, and that this difference cannot be explained by group differences in overall mandibular size. Here, we first document the evolutionary changes of root size and shape of the anterior upper and lower dentition in a broad chronological and geographical framework. We then use the size and shape differences between RMH and Neanderthals to classify several isolated teeth from Kebara cave and Steinheim, and to interpret the anterior tooth roots of the Tabun C2 mandible.Our samples comprise permanent mandibular and maxillary incisors and canines from early Homo, Neanderthals, as well as extant and fossil modern humans (N = 359). In addition to root length, we measured cervical root diameter and area, total root volume, root pulp volume and root surface area from μCT scans. We quantified root shape variation using geometric morphometrics.Our results show that Neanderthals have not only significantly larger anterior roots than RMH overall, but also different root shapes for each tooth type. In the context of the ‘teeth-as-tools’ hypothesis, this could be an adaptation to better sustain high or frequent loads on the front teeth.We demonstrate that the two isolated incisors stored with the Steinheim skull are very likely recent. Tabun C2 shows an anterior dentition similar in size and shape to Neanderthals while its molar roots are non-Neanderthal. Two of the five isolated teeth from Kebara are classified as Neanderthals.Interestingly, early modern humans overlap with Neanderthals and RMH in root size and shape. Anterior roots of the Lower and Middle Pleistocene specimens are at least as large as Neanderthals, suggesting that Neanderthals retained a primitive pattern, which should prompt caution in the assessment of the earliest forms of modern humans.

Evaluate root and canal morphology of primary mandibular second molars in Chinese individuals by using cone-beam computed tomography

More detailed knowledge of root and canal morphology is important in order to improve the success in the endodontics of primary teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root and canal morphology of primary mandibular second molars (PMSMs) in a Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images, which had been obtained previously in the West China Hospital of Stomatology at Sichuan University, Chengdu, China between May 2009 and December 2011, were screened retrospectively. Finally, 283 individuals-207 male and 76 female with a mean age of 7.2 years (range 3-10 years)-and 487 PMSMs with clear images of root and canal morphology were enrolled. The number of roots and morphology of canals were recorded. The patient's gender, and the symmetry and frequency of three roots in PMSMs were analyzed. The majority of PMSMs had two (72.28%) or three roots (27.52%). The symmetrical incidence of three-root PMSMs in this Chinese population was 50.65%. There is no difference between genders in the prevalence of an extra root and the incidence of symmetry (p>0.05). Of the individuals enrolled, 25.26% of PMSMs had three canals and 73.31% had four canals. The root canal systems of the PMSMs in the present study were categorized into seven variants. This study indicated that three-rooted PMSMs occur frequently in the Chinese population. There was no difference between the two genders on incidence and symmetry. The majority of PMSMs have three to four canals and the diversity of the root canal variants should be considered when performing clinical procedures. CBCT is a good option for studying the root and canal morphology of primary teeth.

Tooth Root Morphology in the Early Pliocene African Bear Agriotherium africanum (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) and its Implications for Feeding Ecology

Tooth root surface areas serve as proxies for bite force potentials, and by extension, dietary specialization in extant carnivorans. Here, we investigate the feeding ecology of the extinct large-bodied ursid Agriotherium africanum, by comparing its root surface areas (reconstructed with the aid of computed tomography and three-dimensional image processing) and bite force estimates, with those of extant carnivorans. Results show that in absolute terms, canine and carnassial bite forces, as well as root surface areas were highest in A. africanum. However, when adjusted for skull size, A. africanum’s canine roots were smaller than those of extant solitary predators. With teeth being the limiting factor in the masticatory system, low canine root surface areas suggest that A. africanum would have struggled to bring down large vertebrate prey. Its adjusted carnassial root sizes were found to be smaller than those of extant hard object feeders and the most carnivorous tough object feeders, but larger than those of extant omnivorous ursids and Ursus maritimus. This and the fact that it displayed its highest postcanine root surface areas in the carnassial region (rather than the most distal tooth in the tooth row) suggest that A. africanum consumed more vertebrate tissue than extant omnivorous ursids. With an apparent inability to routinely bring down large prey or to consume mechanically demanding skeletal elements, its focus was most likely on tough tissue, which it acquired by actively scavenging the carcasses of freshly dead/freshly killed animals. Mechanically less demanding skeletal elements would have been a secondary food source, ingested and processed mainly in association with muscle and connective tissue.

Three-dimensional analysis of mandibular dental root morphology in hominoids

Although often preserved in the fossil record, mandibular dental roots are rarely used for evolutionary studies. This study qualitatively and quantitatively characterizes the three-dimensional morphology of hominoid dental roots. The sample comprises extant apes as well as two fossil species, Khoratpithecus piriyai and Ouranopithecus macedoniensis. The morphological differences between extant genera are observed, quantified and tested for their potential in systematics. Dental roots are imaged using X-ray computerized tomography, conventional microtomography and synchrotron microtomography. Resulting data attest to the high association between taxonomy and tooth root morphology, both qualitatively and quantitatively. A cladistic analysis based on the dental root characters resulted in a tree topology congruent with the consensus phylogeny of hominoids, suggesting that tooth roots might provide useful information in reconstructing hominoid phylogeny. Finally, the evolution of the dental root morphology in apes is discussed.

Personalized Tooth Shape Estimation From Radiograph and Cast

Three-dimensional geometric information of teeth is usually needed in pre- and postoperative diagnoses of orthodontic dentistry. The computerized tomography can provide comprehensive 3-D teeth geometries. However, there is still a discussion on computed tomography (CT) as a routine in orthodontic dentistry due to radiation dose. Moreover, the CT is useless when a dentist needs to extract 3-D structures from old archive files with only radiographs and casts, where patient's teeth changed ever since. In this paper, we propose a reconstruction framework for patient-specific teeth based on an integration of 2-D radiographs and digitized casts. The reconstruction is under a template-fitting framework. The shape and orientation of teeth templates are tuned in accordance with patient's radiographs. Specially, the tooth root morphology is controlled by 2-D contours in radiographs. With ray tracing and a contour plane assumption, 2-D root contours in radiographs are projected back to 3-D space, and guide tooth root deformations. Moreover, the template's crown is deformed nonrigidly to fit digitized casts that bear patient's crown details. The system allows 3-D tooth reconstruction with patient-specific geometric details from just casts and 2-D radiographs.

Tooth root morphology as an indicator for dietary specialization in carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora)

The Carnivora occupy a wide range of feeding niches in concordance with the enormous diversity in their skull and dental form. It is well established that differences in crown morphology are linked to variations in the material properties of the foods ingested and masticated. However, how tooth root form is related to dietary specialization is less well known. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between tooth root morphology and dietary specialization in terrestrial carnivores (canids, felids, hyaenids, and ursids). We specifically address the question of how variation in tooth root surface area is related to bite force potentials as one of the crucial masticatory performance parameters in feeding ecology. We applied computed tomography imaging to reconstruct and quantify dental root surface area in 17 extant carnivore species. Moreover, we computed maximal bite force at several tooth positions based on a dry skull model and assessed the relationship of root surface area to skull size, maximal bite force, food properties, and prey size. We found that postcanine tooth root surface areas corrected for skull size serve as a proxy for bite force potentials and, by extension, dietary specialization in carnivores. Irrespective of taxonomic affinity, species that feed on hard food objects have larger tooth roots than those that eat soft or tough foods. Moreover, carnivores that prey on large animals have larger tooth root surface areas. Our results show that tooth root morphology is a useful indicator of bite force production and allows inferences to be made about dietary ecology in both extant and extinct mammals.

Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary First Premolar Teeth in a Ugandan Population

Aim : To determine the variations in the root and canal morphology of the maxillary first premolar teeth in a Ugandan population. Methodology : Extracted maxillary first premolar teeth (n = 202) were evaluated in this study. The specimens had their pulp chambers de-roofed. They were decalcified in nitric acid and made transparent with methyl salicylate. Indian ink was injected into the root canals to display their configuration. Results : One hundred and forty eight (73.3%) of the specimens had two roots, of which 16.9% (n = 25) had fused roots. About 26.7% (n = 54) of the specimens were single rooted. Eleven (20.4%) of the single rooted specimens had one canal of either Vertucci type I, III, V or VII configuration while 79.6% (n = 43) of the specimens had two canals of either Vertucci type II, IV or VI configuration. The two-rooted specimens exhibited Vertucci type IV and VIII canal configuration: 96.6% and 3.4%, respectively. The single rooted teeth had a higher prevalence of lateral canals, canal intercommunications and multiple apical foramina as compared to the two-rooted specimens. Conclusion : The maxillary first premolar teeth in this Ugandan population showed a higher prevalence of two-root morphology with majority of the roots having Vertucci type IV canal configuration. There was no three-root anomaly recorded in the present material.

Root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molar teeth in a Jordanian population

To examine the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent first and second molar teeth in a Jordanian population. A total of 685 extracted mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth were collected from dental clinics within north Jordan. The teeth were examined visually and the root number and morphology were recorded. After that, access cavities were prepared, pulp tissue dissolved by sodium hypochlorite and the root canals injected with Indian ink. Stained teeth were decalcified with 10% nitric acid, dehydrated with ascending concentrations of alcohol and rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate. The following observations were evaluated: (i) number of canals per root; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) canal configuration in each root; (iv) number and location of lateral canals and (v) presence of intercanal communications. Of 330 mandibular first molars, the majority had three (48%) or four (46%) canals, whilst 4% had a third disto-lingual root. Of 355 mandibular second molars, 58% had three canals, 19% two and 17% had four canals, whilst 10% had C-shaped roots. The most prevalent canal configuration in the mesial root of both first (53%) and second (40%) molars was type IV, and in distal roots was type I (54% in first and 79% in second molars). Jordanian mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibit features close to the average Caucasian root and canal morphology.

Root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth in a Ugandan population

We investigated root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Ugandan population. Mandibular first (n = 224) and second (n = 223) molars were collected from patients visiting dental clinics in Kampala and prepared by a clearing technique. An endodontic access cavity was prepared in each tooth. The teeth were consecutively immersed in 5% sodium hypochlorite, 10% nitric acid, and 99% methyl salicylate. India ink was coronally injected into the pulp chamber and withdrawn apically by suction. The teeth were viewed under a magnifying lens and the numbers of root canals and their configurations, lateral canals, intercanal communications, and multiple apical foramina were recorded, along with the number of roots and their morphology. Student's t test for independent samples was used to assess significant differences in the root canal system. All specimens were two-rooted with one mesial and one distal root. Root fusion was more frequent in the second than in the first molar: 3.2% versus 0.4%. Vertucci type IV canal configuration was most frequently recorded in the mesial root of the first (44.6%) and second (49.8%) molars. Type 1 canal configuration was predominant in the distal root in first (84.8%) and second (94.2%) molars. Multiple apical foramina were more frequent in the first than in the second molar, as were intercanal communications and lateral canals. Type I and IV canal configurations were predominant in the distal and mesial roots, respectively, of both the first and second molars.

Anomalous mandibular premolars: a mandibular first premolar with three roots and a mandibular second premolar with a C‐shaped canal system

To describe unusual variations in the root morphology and root canal systems of mandibular first and second premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Normally mandibular first and second premolar teeth have single roots with single canals. A 15-year-old patient presented for orthodontic treatment and two mandibular premolar teeth were examined post-extraction. The mandibular first premolar exhibited three distinct, separate roots and the mandibular second premolar exhibited a C-shaped root canal system. The coronal morphology of each of the mandibular premolars revealed dimensions and anatomy within normal limits. The incidence of a three-rooted mandibular first premolar is approximately 0.2%. * Thorough clinical and radiographic interpretation is important in recognizing anomalous root and root canal systems. * The most common forms of root and canal systems and its aberrations must be understood to realize variations from normal do occur. * Successful root canal treatment requires an accurate diagnosis of the root canal system using all available aids. * Value of microcomputed tomography in the study of anatomy ex vivo and cone-beam tomography in clinical endodontics of complex premolar cases is increasing.

Root and canal morphology of human permanent teeth in a Sri Lankan and Japanese population

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of Sri Lankan and Japanese permanent dentition. Two thousand Sri Lankan and 976 Japanese permanent teeth were examined. The number of roots in premolars and molars and the prevalence of C-shaped (gutter shaped) roots in mandibular second molars were recorded. Root canal morphology was studied using a clearing technique. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci’s classification. A higher prevalence of two-rooted maxillary first premolars was observed in Sri Lankans than in Japanese. Sri Lankan maxillary first and second premolars displayed a higher incidence of two canal and two apical foramina forms than those of Japanese. Canal morphology of mandibular first premolars showed higher occurrence of two canals with type V (1-2) canal configuration in Sri Lankans than in Japanese. In mandibular molars, Japanese presented with a higher incidence of three-rooted first molars and one-rooted second molars than Sri Lankans. C-shaped root was seen in 5.7% of Sri Lankan and 18.8% of Japanese second molars examined. In the distal root of mandibular first molars, Japanese showed a higher prevalence of two apical foramina with type IV (2) and additional canal forms than that of Sri Lankans. Japanese mandibular second molars exhibited a higher occurrence of one-root canal forms than that of Sri Lankans. In addition, mandibular incisors and canines of Sri Lankans showed a higher prevalence of two canals with type III (1-2-1) canal form than Japanese. Root and canal morphologies of Japanese and Sri Lankan people are consistent with those of people of East Asian and European (western Eurasia) origin, respectively. In human dentition, the differences of the internal canal morphology are more evident and constant than that of external root morphology among different population groups.

Comparative observations on the tooth root morphology of Gigantopithecus blacki

The extinct great ape Gigantopithecus blacki from the middle Pleistocene of China and Vietnam is known only from dental and mandibular remains, and its dietary specializations remain contentious. Here, for the first time, we describe the root morphology in G. blacki using computed tomography and three-dimensional image processing. We quantify the tooth root lengths and surface areas of the female G. blacki mandible No. 1 from the Liucheng Cave and compare it to a sample of extant great apes and humans, as well as the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the American black bear ( Ursus americanus). The results show that, in G. blacki, the pattern of mandibular root numbers—particularly that of the premolars—corresponds with that of Gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, and Pongo pygmaeus. However, G. blacki can be distinguished from the extant hominids by having relatively higher values for postcanine root length and surface area, both absolutely and relative to mandibular size (except for premolar root lengths of humans). The relatively large postcanine root surface areas, which are most similar to A. melanoleuca, suggest that the dentition of G. blacki was adapted to sustaining relatively large occlusal forces needed to fracture mechanically resistant foods such as bamboo.

Root and canal morphology of maxillary first and second permanent molar teeth in a Ugandan population

To investigate the root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary molar teeth from a Ugandan population. Maxillary first (n = 221) and second molar (n = 221) teeth were collected from patients attending dental clinics in Kampala. Teeth were prepared using a clearing technique: the pulp chambers were accessed and the teeth placed consecutively into 5% sodium hypochlorite, 10% nitric acid, then methyl salicylate. Indian ink was injected into the pulp chambers to demonstrate the canal system. In the first molars, 95.9% of the teeth had separate roots. The mesiobuccal root was fused with the palatal root in 3% of specimens and with the distobuccal root in 0.5% of teeth. In the second molars, 86% of the teeth had separate roots. The mesiobuccal root was fused with the palatal root in 6.3% of specimens and with the distobuccal root in 6.8% of teeth. Apical deltas were more frequent in the mesiobuccal root when compared with distobuccal and palatal roots of both the first and second molars. A type I canal configuration (>75%) was the most frequent in all the roots of both the first and second molars. Canal intercommunications and lateral canals were more frequent in the mesiobuccal root when compared with other roots. The mesiobuccal root tended to have more variations in the canal system followed by the distobuccal root, whereas the palatal root had the least. The findings in root and canal morphology of this Ugandan population were different from previous studies, which may partly be attributed to racial differences.

Investigation of the root canal configurations of mandibular permanent teeth in the Turkish population.

To investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent teeth collected from an indigenous Turkish population. A total of 1400 extracted mandibular permanent teeth were evaluated. The teeth were divided into seven groups as central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars and second molars in order to evaluate their root canal configurations. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue removed using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. The teeth were stored in 5% nitric acid solution for 5 days, then rinsed under running water for 4 h and placed in increasing concentrations of ethyl alcohol. The teeth were rendered transparent by immersion in xylene solution for 3 days until complete transparency was achieved. Following this procedure, India ink was injected in the root canal systems and their configurations were examined and compared with the classification of Vertucci. The following observations were made: (i) root canal classification of mandibular teeth; (ii) morphology of the mandibular permanent teeth. The classification of Vertucci was taken as a reference during the evaluation; however additional canal morphological types were evaluated as separate groups. The presence of a second canal was detected in 68% of mandibular central incisors and 63% of lateral incisors. Lateral canals were found in 6.5% of mandibular central incisors and in 13% of lateral incisors. Overall, 62% of mandibular first premolar teeth had a single canal whereas 71% of second premolars had a single canal. The mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibited similar root canal configurations except for a group of second molar teeth that had a single root and canal. The morphological characteristics of teeth in this Turkish population were consistent with those of other studies performed on different populations using similar methodology.

Panoramic radiographs do not accurately detect curvature of or close association with the mandibular canal of mandibular third molar roots

Original Article Bell GW, Rodgers JM, Grime RJ, Edwards KL, Hahn MR, Dorman ML, et al. The accuracy of dental panoramic tomographs in determining the root morphology of mandibular third molar teeth before surgery. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003;95(1):119–25. Level of Evidence 2b Purpose To evaluate how accurately panoramic radiography portrays root curvature, root fusion, or close root proximity to the mandibular canal of mandibular third molars? Source of Funding North Cumbria Research and Development Committee Type of Study/Design Cohort study

抜歯時における歯根の形態差が歯根および歯槽骨に及ぼす力学的影響

The purpose of this study was to investigate mechanisms of tooth extraction, with special reference to unusual root shapes. Stress analysis with the use of finite element method was carried out to clarify the mechanical effects of tooth root morphology on the tooth and alveolar bone in tooth extraction, under the cantilever and wedge forces as extraction force. Finite element models of single root and double roots were developed as controls, and both models were modified from average shape to unusual shapes, according to the classification of oral pathology.The results obtained were as follows:1. The effects of the cantilever force on the root were lower than in the case of the wedge force.2. Stresses generated in the root tip area of various models in which the resistance to the loading incleased were higher than those of control model, according to the root morphology of the single root models.3. In the curved models of single root, stresses induced in the root tip area were lower under the loading from the outer side of root curvaturer than from the inner side.4. In the double roots model, stresses generated in the root tip area of the divergence model were higher than those of convergence model.From the above results mechanical effects of tooth root morphology on the tooth root and alveolar bone were clarified. These results also support the clinical procedures of tooth extraction based on clinical experience.