Root Canal Type Research Articles

Root canal configuration in mandibular anterior teeth: Insights from cone-beam computed tomography in a Turkish subpopulation

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the structures, roots and canal numbers of mandibular anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methodology: The study evaluated 4830 fully-developed mandibular anterior teeth from 953 CBCT scans. The final sample consisted of 515 scans of females and 438 scans from males, with ages ranging from 17 to 69 years. Among the assessed teeth, 2475 were located on the right side and 2355 on the left, including 2614 from females and 2216 from men. The teeth were free of any fillings, resorption, or cracks in the root or crown. The study analyzed the numbers of roots and root canals, location of the apical foramen, and canal type according to Vertucci’s classification. Results: 82.7% of teeth had single-root canals, whereas four lateral teeth (0.2%) and 42 lower canines (2.4%) had two-roots. The apical foramen was located centrally in 80.9% of the teeth (n = 3909), followed by buccal (8.8%), distal (4.2%), lingual (3.4%), and mesial (2.7%) positions. Using Vertucci’s classification of root canal types, type-I was the most prevalent (65.3%), followed in order by types-III (28.6%), II (4.2%), V (1.5%), and VI (0.4%). Conclusion: Turkish mandibular anterior teeth have intricate anatomy. To enhance comprehension of the complex anatomy of Turkish mandibular incisors and canines, including the numbers of canals and roots and canal configurations, further studies of more patients from diverse regions of Türkiye are needed. The tooth configuration was influenced by gender rather than by tooth position.

Exploring the Root Canal Morphology of Third Molars in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Population.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of third molars in the Bosnia-Herzegovina population. A total of 241 extracted third molars (105 maxillary and 136 mandibular) were subjected to a clearing procedure. The specimens were categorized into ten groups based on the Alavi classification for maxillary third molars (MaxTMs), and six groups were based on the Gulabivala classification for mandibular third molars (ManTMs). Root canal type according to the Vertucci classification, the presence and position of lateral canals, and intercanal communication were analyzed using a stereomicroscope x15. MaxTMs had three roots in 77.13% of the samples. Among MaxTMs, the most common morphology was three fused roots (33.33%) and Vertucci's type VIII (54. 28% of samples in Alavi's Group IV). 60.29% of ManTMs have two separate roots (Gulabivala's Groups II and III). The most prevalent types in mesial roots were type I (41.46% in Group II) and type IV (48.78% in Group III), although type I predominated in distal roots (91.24% and 100% in Groups II and III, respectively). Single-rooted third molars usually have a root canal morphology that is more favorable for endodontic treatment. In contrast, third molars with fused roots often have more complex root canal morphology.

Augmented Reality Improved Knowledge and Efficiency of Root Canal Anatomy Learning: A Comparative Study

Teaching root canal anatomy has traditionally been reliant on static methods, but recent studies have explored the potential of advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR) to enhance learning and address the limitations of traditional training methods, such as the requirement for spatial imagination and the inability to simulate clinical scenarios fully. This study evaluated the potential of AR as a tool for teaching root canal anatomy in preclinical training in endodontics for predoctoral dental students. Six cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of teeth were selected. Board-certified endodontist and radiologist recorded the tooth type and classification of root canals. Then, STereoLithography (STL) files of the same images were imported into a virtual reality (VR) application and viewed through a VR head-mounted display. Forty-three third-year dental students were asked questions about root canal anatomy based on the CBCT images, and then, after the AR model. The time to respond to each question and feedback was recorded. Student responses were paired, and the difference between CBCT and AR scores was examined using a paired-sample t-test and set to p = 0.05. Students demonstrated a significant improvement in their ability to answer questions about root canal anatomy after utilizing the AR model (p < 0.05). Female participants demonstrated significantly higher AR scores compared to male participants. However, gender did not significantly influence overall test scores. Furthermore, students required significantly less time to answer questions after using the AR model (M = 4.09, SD = 3.55) compared to the CBCT method (M = 15.21, SD = 8.01) (p < 0.05). This indicates that AR may improve learning efficiency alongside comprehension. In a positive feedback survey, 93% of students reported that the AR simulation led to a better understanding of root canal anatomy than traditional CBCT interpretation. While this study highlights the potential of AR in learning root canal anatomy, further research is needed to explore its long-term impact and efficacy in clinical settings.

FREQUENCY OF SECOND MESIOBUCCAL CANAL IN PERMANENT MAXILLARY SECOND MOLARS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NEPAL

Background: The success of endodontic treatment relies on the precise identification of root canals followed by cleaning, shaping, and obturating the canals. Mesiobuccal root of maxillary second molar teeth present wide variations with regard to the number and type of root canals. The complexity of the root canal varies widely in different ethnic groups. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of second mesiobuccal canal (MB2 canal) in maxillary second molar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa. A total of 100 permanent maxillary second molar undergoing endodontic treatments were studied. After access cavity preparation ultrasonic tips and magnification loupes were used to open the subpulpal groove in a direction from first mesiobuccal (MB1) canal towards the palatal canal to locate the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal. Radiovisiography (RVG) was taken to confirm the presence of MB2 canals. Results: MB2 canals were detected in 52 teeth out of 100 teeth that were studied. It was found that the younger adult (18-35 years) tends to have a higher proportion of MB2 canals (65.6%) as compared to the middle-aged elderly (36-55years) in whom it could be identified only 33.4% of the time. Conclusions: Based on this study, it can be concluded that the prevalence of MB2 canal in mesiobuccal root of the permanent maxillary second molar is high.

Internal and external morphological analysis of fused-rooted mandibular second molars in the Chinese population: A micro-computed tomographic study.

This study investigated the root canal morphology of fused-rooted mandibular second molars based on the pulp chamber floor (PCF) and analysed the correlation between the external morphology of the radicular groove, and the internal morphology of the PCF and root canal configuration. A total of 291 fused-rooted teeth collected from the Chinese population were scanned using micro-computed tomography and a dental operating microscope was used for observing the PCFs. The classification of the PCF and root canal configuration were identified according to modified Min etal.'s and Gao etal.'s classifications, respectively. Additionally, a new radicular groove classification was proposed. The correlation among these morphological characteristics was investigated using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). The results showed that 74.2% of teeth had C-shaped PCFs, while 21.0% had non-C-shaped PCFs. As for the root canal configurations, 37.5% of teeth were merging type, 40.9% were symmetrical type, and 14.8% were asymmetrical type. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between the PCF types and the root canal configurations (p < 0.001). The dominant root canal types for teeth with C-shaped PCFs were merging and symmetrical types, while the asymmetrical type was not identified in non-C-shaped PCFs. In addition, significant morphological association between the root canals and radicular grooves was also revealed (p < 0.001). Teeth with different PCF morphologies exhibit specific patterns of root canal category distribution. Understanding the morphological nuances of the root canal based on the PCF can assist clinicians in predicting and identifying the canal configuration beneath the visible orifice.

Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Premolars Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Golestan Province, North of Iran.

Successful endodontic treatment depends on completely clearing, shaping, and filling the prepared canals. Knowledge of the common and aberrant varying pulp anatomies is essential for suitable root canal treatment. Since, this anatomy is complex and varies morphologically in different populations. This study aims to determine the number of roots, canals, and evaluation of mandibular premolars canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in one of Iran's northern provinces (Golestan). CBCT axial, coronal, and sagittal slices of two hundred and twelve mandibular premolars were analyzed to determine the number of roots and canals based on Vertucci type. The images were analyzed in a one-millimeter slice in mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions based on gender. The data were analyzed using the Chi-score test to compare the components if the defaults were not established. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Of the two hundred twelve teeth evaluated, 130 (61.3%) were first premolars, and 82 (38.6%) were second premolars. Most first premolars (78.5%) and almost all second premolars (97.6%) had one root. Morphological types of root canals were identified based on Vertucci's classification types I, II, III, IV, V, or VIII, and type I was the most frequent. There were no significant associations between number of roots and sex (P>0.05). Mandibular premolars mostly had one root and type I Vertucci morphology. The frequency of two-canal premolars was higher in the male population. Although the abundance of two or three roots with different morphologies was also observed, the possibility of the presence of an additional root canal should be considered.

Predictors of periapical bone healing associated with teeth having large periapical lesions following nonsurgical root canal treatment or retreatment: A cone beam computed tomography-based retrospective study.

Several factors influence the condition of the periapical tissues associated with root filled teeth. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the extent and speed of bone healing of large periapical lesions associated with nonsurgical root canal treatment or retreatment. The secondary objective was to analyse the relationship between the time to complete healing when analysed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and other possible predictors that affect healing. Seventy-nine patients were treated during the years 2013-2020 with large periapical lesions of endodontic origin (10-15 mm) as observed on intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR) were included. IOPAR and CBCT were available before treatment and during the follow-up (IOPAR every 6 months and CBCT every 12 months). The volume of periapical lesions was calculated by OsiriX Lite software. Variables such as initial volume of the lesion, age, gender, type of treatment or type of root canal filling were compared to identify the differences between healed and unhealed lesions. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for categorical variables, the t-test for age and the Wilcoxon test for initial volume of the lesion. The association between time to healing and the variables was assessed using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. The Wilcoxon test was used to observe the association of healing time with categorical variables and the correlation index was measured with the quantitative variables. Of the 79 cases analysed, 60 lesions (76%) were completely healed as verified by CBCT in a mean healing time of 19 months, of which 60% healed fully between 12 and 18 months. Increase in age of patient and larger initial volume of the lesion were associated with a significantly longer healing time (p < .001). Gender, filling material and type of treatment did not have a significant effect on the healing process (p > .05). Clinicians should be aware that periapical lesions in older patients and larger areas of bone loss take longer to heal. CBCT monitoring of large periapical lesions is critical and it can help clinicians in the decision-making process.

Morphometric relationships in mesio-buccal roots of maxillary first molars in Saudi subpopulation: A CBCT study.

This CBCT-based study analysed morphometric relationships in Mesio-Buccal (MB) roots of maxillary first molars (MFM). 133 MFM with two MB canals were assessed and classified using Vertucci's classification. MB roots' length and MB1-MB2 canals inter-orifice distances (IOD) were noted. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The most frequently present canal was type IV (59.4%) followed by type II (40.6%). Mean MB roots' length for canals exhibiting type IV was 9.26 ± 0.21 mm and of those exhibiting type II was 12.8 ± 0.42 mm. Statistically significant relationship was found between MB root length and canal type. Mean IOD for type II and type IV canals was 2.4 ± 0.47 and 3.8 ± 0.21 mm, respectively. Statistically significant relationship was found between IOD and canal type. Length of MB root and IOD had a significant association with canal type present in MFM. This knowledge can enhance clinicians' understanding of canal morphology which can increase predictability and success rate of endodontic treatment.

Effectiveness ZnOE, Ca(OH)2 and Iodoform as Root Canal Filling Materials for Pulpectomy in Primary Teeth

Background: Dental caries is a disease that affects almost half of the world's population. A pulpectomy is an endodontic treatment by removing the entire pulp and filling the root canals of primary teeth using an appropriate root canal filling material. Root canal filling material becomes an indicator of the effectiveness of pulpectomy in primary teeth. Operators must comprehend various types of root canal filling materials available in primary dental pulpectomy treatments. Objective: This scoping review aims to obtain data on the effectiveness of ZnOE, Ca(OH)2, and Iodoform paste as root canal filling materials in pulpectomy treatment of primary teeth. Methods: This research was a scoping review. By using the PRISMA-ScR study, electronic database searches were conducted on PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 89 articles were identified through a search on PubMed, 137 articles through EBSCOhost, 442 articles through GoogleScholar, and 48 articles through a search using Handsearching. The total number of articles identified through all the databases results in 716 articles. Using the PRISMA-ScR flow diagram to do the selection process, it results in seven articles that are eligible for review. Conclusion: As root canal filling materials in pulpectomy treatment for primary teeth, ZnOE, Ca(OH)2, and Iodoform paste were considered effective. The scoping review results in this study showed that Ca(OH)2 + Iodoform Paste (Metapex®) were better than ZnOE.

Endodontic Clinical Outcome after Separated Instrument Removal Using a Spinal Needle Technique: A Retrospective Study of Thirty Years of Clinical Experience

IntroductionCurrent methods for the removal of separated endodontic instruments (RSI) are not predictable. MethodsThe primary outcome of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical and radiographic success (CRS) of teeth in case of RSI after a 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate (1) the effectiveness in RSI and (2) the risk of root fracture after RSI. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05128266). The patients were treated by the same endodontist between January 1991 and December 2019. The RSI was performed under the operative microscope as follows: first, the dentine surrounding the coronal part of the broken instrument was selectively removed by using a small ultrasonic tip to loosen the fragment; then, a modified spinal needle was used to catch and remove the instrument. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and >5-year CRS were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of failure (ie, tooth number, type of root canal, shape of the root canal, type of broken instrument, apicocoronal level of the separated instrument, presence of periapical lesions, and root perforations). ResultsA total of 158 teeth were included in this study. Finally, 131 instruments underwent RSI (82.9%). RSI was an independent predictor of CRS after 1-year of treatment (odds ratio: 58.3; 95% confidence interval: 27.42–95.73, P < .05). At the 5-year follow-up, only 10 of 131 teeth (7.6%) failed. All failures were caused by root fracture (10/10) (χ2 test, P < .05). Separated instruments located in the apical third of the root were more difficult to remove (13/49 cases, 26.5%; χ2 test, P < .05). ConclusionsThe proposed technique can achieve excellent effectiveness in RSI, can achieve a high CRS rate when a periapical lesion is present, is not associated to a significant increase in root fracture incidence, and should be performed with the help of an operative microscope.

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.

Morphologic Variations and Gender Dimorphism in Mandibular First Premolar Root Canal Pattern: A CBCT Study in South Indian Population

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the variations in the RCM of mandibular first premolars (MFP) in south Indians and also evaluated the gender dimorphism and contralateral symmetry of the pattern. Methods: 200 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of MFP of patients above 18 years were analyzed for the root canal morphology after excluding the distorted images, endodontically treated tooth or fractured root. The teeth were carefully evaluated in cross-sectional, axial and coronal sections and the information regarding the number of roots and the type of root canal as per Vertucci’s classification. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were also checked. Results: Single rooted teeth with Type I (73.01%) variation was the most prevalent pattern observed in the study population, which was followed by Type III (14.11%) and Type V (5.52%), respectively. Type IV and Type VIII variations were not found in our study. Conclusions: In both males and females, type I configuration was the most common pattern with symmetry in contralateral mandibular single-rooted first premolars.

Root and root canal morphology of mandibular second permanent molars in the Gansu province population: A CBCT study.

To study the anatomical characteristics of the root and root canal system of the mandibular second molars in the population of Gansu province, and to provide theoretical and clinical references for improving the success rate of root canal therapy (RCT) of mandibular second molars. The number of roots and root canals, root canal type and pulp chamber height of mandibular second molars were determined by observing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of people living in Gansu. The most common type of mandibular second molars in the Gansu province population was a double root with three root canals (47.55%), followed by a C-shaped root (35.56%). There were more females than males with a C-shaped root (p< 0.05). The most common root canal subtype of the C-type root was C3 (13.91%). Most of the population (77.11%) had bilateral mandibular second molars with symmetrical root canal morphology. With an increase in age, the height of the pulp chamber decreased significantly. The incidence of root canal variation of the mandibular second molars is relatively high in the population of Gansu province. Preoperative examination with CBCT is essential for mandibular second molars that need RCT to avoid root canal treatment failure and decrease the occurrence of postoperative pain as much as possible.

Evaluation of C-shaped canals in maxillary molars in a Chinese population using CBCT

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped root canals in maxillary first (MFMs) and second (MSMs) molars in a Southwestern Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT).MethodsCBCT images of MFMs (n = 1488) and MSMs (n = 1547) from 1508 subjects enrolled in Guiyang Hospital of Stomatology between July 2018 to February 2021 were evaluated for the incidence and types of C-shaped root canals. Differences by age, sex, left or right side, and bilateral symmetry were also evaluated.ResultsC-shaped root canals were present in 2.93% MFMs and MSMs (n = 3035) in the Southwestern Chinese population. A significant higher incidence was observed in the MSMs (5.24%) than in the MFMs (0.54%). Increased incidences were noted in teeth with fused root. Two major types and 5 subtypes of C-shaped canal system of maxillary molars were defined, and the most common type of C-shaped canals is fusion of mesial-buccal (MB) and distal-buccal (DB) canals (Type I subtype C). No significant gender and age differences were noted in the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in this population, and no significant difference was seen in its incidence in the left or right MFMs and MSMs. The bilateral occurrence was observed in 1.27% of the patients.ConclusionC-shaped root canals are more frequently present in MSMs than in MFMs in the Southwestern Chinese population, with Type I subtype C (MB-DB canal fusion) as the most common subtype and low incidence of bilateral symmetry.

Comparison of Effects of Different Endodontic Irrigating Solutions on Post-Operative Pain during Single Visit RCT

Aims: Comparing the effects of normal saline, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine on the post-operative pain intensity after a single visit root canal treatment. Methods: A total of 120 male and female patients requiring an endodontic treatment for necrotic teeth with chronic apical periodontitis were randomly divided into three equal groups (40 each) according to the type of root canal irrigating solution, i.e. group A (normal saline {NaCl}), group B (sodium hypochlorite {5.25% NaOCl}) and group C (chlorhexidine {2.0% CLX}) . The post-operative pain intensity was determined using a self-explanatory questionnaire with four-point pain intensity scale at 6 hrs and 24 hrs and on 4th, 7th and 10th day after a single visit endodontic procedure. Tukey’s test was used to compare significant pain intensity among three root canal irrigating solution. Results: Among group A (NaCl) participants, most of them experienced mild pain at 6th hr. The mean pain score was further compared among the three irrigant groups at different time intervals by Post hoc comparison using Tukey’s HSD test, which showed that group A (NaCl) had a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) with a mean pain value of 0.66±1 at 6th hr post-endodontic pain determination as compared to group B (5.25% NaOCl) and group C (2.0% CLX) where the mean pain value was 1.05±0.91 and 2.48±0.55 respectively. Conclusion: The present study concludes that normal saline should not be used as the sole root canal irrigant during the endodontic treatment especially when the involved teeth are having necrotic pulp and chronic peri-radicular periodontitis to avoid the incidence of post-endodontic pain. Keywords: Endodontics, Irrigant, Pain, Chlorhexidine.

Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Primary Molar using CBCT and 3D CT

The purpose of this study is to analyze morphological characteristics of maxillary primary molar’s root and root canal. 268 children aged 3 - 7 years (175 boys, 93 girls) who had CBCT (152 children) and 3D CT (116 children) taken in Seoul National University Dental Hospital from January 2006 to April 2020 were included. The number of roots and root canals were analyzed in 1002 teeth without any root resorption or periapical pathologies. Curvature, angulation, length of root and root canal, as well as cross-sectional shapes of the root canal were analyzed in 218 teeth. By using Mimics and 3-Matics software, volume, surface area, and volume ratio of root canal was analyzed in 48 teeth. More than half of maxillary primary molars have 3 roots and 3 root canals. The degree of symmetry of root canal type was about 0.63 (Cohen’s kappa coefficient). The most frequent shape of roots and canals was linear in 1st primary molars and curved in 2nd primary molars. Angulation, length of root and root canals was the largest on palatal roots. Most teeth showed ovoid or round shapes at apex. The largest root canal volume, surface area, volume ratio was found in the palatal roots.

Root and Root Canal Morphology of Permanent Mandibular Anterior Teeth in a Sample of Egyptian Population

Objectives The aim of this work was to study the morphology of root and root canals of permanent mandibular anterior teeth in a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods A total of 16 permanent mandibular central incisors (I1), 25 permanent mandibular lateral incisors (I2) and 15 permanent mandibular canines (C) were collected and classified into groups according to shape and number of roots. Molds of pink wax with the samples were submitted for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The number and shapes of roots were determined and types of root canals were assessed and classified according to Vertucci's classification. Finally, data was statistically analyzed. Results Regarding the macroscopic appearance of I1, all the samples had one root while I2 had one root with 92%. As for C, 80% of the sample was with one root. CBCT revealed the following configurations, according to Vertucci's classification; Regarding I1, Type I was the most common canal configuration (75%) followed by type II (12.5%) and type III (12.5%) Regarding I2, Type I (60%) was the most common configuration followed by type III (28%). As for C, 66.7% of the sample was represented by type I followed by type III and IV, where each was represented by 13.3%. Conclusions There are morphological variations in the root and root canal anatomies of the mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines of Egyptian population as compared to other populations.

Detection of the internal anatomy of lower anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography.

Morphology study of root canal systems is essential for a correct diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of root canal treatment. This study aimed to analyse the dental anatomy of the lower anterior teeth, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Lower anterior teeth were classified in terms of type, number and location of root canals, evaluating the bilaterality of anatomical occurrences and determining whether the gender and age influence the findings. We analysed 749 CBCT of patients attending the School of Dentistry for different reasons. Spearman's correlations and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyse data (α = 0.05). There was no significant correlation between gender (male and female) and anatomy of the canals 33 (P = 0.162), 32 (P = 0.815), 31 (P = 0.708), 41 (P = 0.422), 42 (P = 0.382) and 43 (P = 0.063). There was a significant correlation between age and anatomy of the canals 33 (P = 0.045), 32 (P = 0.033), 31 (P = 0.022), 41 (P = 0.000), 42 (P = 0.037) and 43 (P = 0.037). There was no significant correlation between gender and patients' age (P = 0.325). There was no anatomical difference between the bilateral pairs (right and left homologous teeth) (P > 0.05). The most common anatomical configuration was single-canal teeth (85.29%), followed by the configuration in which one canal leaves the chamber, divides into two and unite again (12.88%). Anatomy of the lateral incisors and lower canines does not change with the gender of patients. However, as age rises, single canals and the incidence of division into two canals ending in a single foramen also increases.

Root canal sealers affect artifacts on cone-beam computed tomography images.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appearance of artifacts by four types of root canal filling sealers on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Thirty standardized tooth models were given the radiopacity equivalent to human teeth, and root canal preparation was performed using WaveOne Gold. Root canal filling by a single-point method was performed using WaveOne Gold gutta-percha points and four types of root canal sealers: AH Plus (AH), CANALS (CA), BioRoot RCS (BR), and MTA Fillapex (MTA). Samples were taken by periapical radiography at 60kV and scanned by CBCT at three tube voltages (70, 85, and 100kV). The gray-scale values (GVs) of the periapical radiographs were measured and the aluminum equivalents were calculated. On the CBCT axial images, the artifact and dentin area GVs were measured and the rate of change in the GV (RCGV) was calculated as follows: RCGV (%) = (dentin area GV - artifact GV)/dentin area GV × 100. High-density areas with artifacts on the CBCT images were also measured. On the periapical radiographs, the aluminum equivalent was largest for AH and smallest for MTA. On the CBCT images, AH showed the largest values for both RCGV and the high-density areas, while BR and MTA showed comparable values. Correlations were found between the radiopacity on the periapical radiographs and the degree of artifacts on the CBCT images. These findings suggest that the greater the contrast in the 2D image, the higher the artifacts in the 3D image.

Root Canal System and Morphology of Mandibular Second Molar Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: As human 2nd molar teeth demonstrate considerable anatomic complexities and abnormalities in the number of roots and root canals, this study aimed to determine and investigate the root canal system of the mandibular 2nd molar teeth of a sample using cone-beam computed tomography. Variation can be found among different ethnic backgrounds. However, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images eliminate the superimposition of anatomic structures. &#x0D; Methods: A total of 350 CBCTs were examined in this study. The analysis was conducted using the GALILEOS Viewer computer software program equipped with a disk containing the CBCT data. The Vertucci classification was used to categorize the data and the chi-square test to compare age groups, gender, and mouth sides. &#x0D; Results: Twenty-one two-handed CBCTs met the study criteria. Mandibular 2nd molar teeth were examined, and type 2 canal configuration was the most prevalent in the mesial root (57.1%), whereas type 1 canal configuration was the most prevalent in the distal canal (96.5%). Gender had no significant effect on the root canals' configuration except for the distal root of the right side. In contrast, age had a significant effect on root canal type, except for the right mesial root. There was a strong correlation between root canal types on the right and left sides. &#x0D; Conclusions: Type 1 and 2 root canal types were most prevalent in the distal and mesial root canal. Age was found to affect root canal type, and a correlation between right and left side root canal types was detected.