Apical Morphology of the Palatal Roots of Maxillary Molars by Using Micro–Computed Tomography

Lindsey Meder-Cowherd; Anne E Williamson; William T Johnson; Dragos Vasilescu; Richard Walton; Fang Qian

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2011.05.012

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Apical Morphology of the Palatal Roots of Maxillary Molars by Using Micro–Computed Tomography

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Apical Morphology of the Palatal Roots of Maxillary Molars by Using Micro–Computed Tomography

Lindsey Meder-Cowherd, Anne E Williamson, William T Johnson, Dragos Vasilescu, Richard Walton and Fang Qian

Journal of endodontics, Vol.37(8), pp.1162-1165

2011

DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2011.05.012

PMID: 21763914

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Abstract

Introduction The apical constriction (AC) has been a traditional landmark as an end point of canal preparation and obturation. However, the morphology and incidence of this structure have not been definitively determined. The purpose of this study was to determine these factors by using a noninvasive technology, micro–computed tomography. Methods Forty extracted maxillary molar palatal roots were separated and mounted. Each root was scanned with micro–computed tomography. Slices from the scan were computer reconstructed by using special software. This rendered each root three-dimensionally “transparent.” Roots were rotated, and the apical canal region was selected. In 2 sessions, trained evaluators identified the AC as to (1) presence (single and tapered) or (2) absence (flaring, parallel, and delta). Evaluator agreement was assessed by Cohen's kappa. Descriptive frequencies were determined for apical constriction presence and morphology. Results Interagreement and intra-agreement of evaluators were good. In regard to frequency of occurrence, most (65%) canals did not demonstrate an AC. The morphology, in order of most to least, was parallel 35%, single 19%, flaring 18%, tapering 15%, and delta 12%. Conclusions From the noninvasive evaluation of our sample it was concluded that an AC was usually not present and that this apical canal region was variable. If this is true with other tooth groups, the AC should not be used as an anatomical marker for preparation and obturation.

Apical constriction

micro-computed tomography

palatal root

Details

Title: Subtitle: Apical Morphology of the Palatal Roots of Maxillary Molars by Using Micro–Computed Tomography
Creators: Lindsey Meder-Cowherd
Anne E Williamson
William T Johnson
Dragos Vasilescu
Richard Walton
Fang Qian
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of endodontics, Vol.37(8), pp.1162-1165
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2011.05.012
PMID: 21763914
NLM abbreviation: J Endod
ISSN: 0099-2399
eISSN: 1878-3554
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100002569, name: American Association of Endodontists Foundation
Language: English
Date published: 2011
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry; Endodontics; Family Dentistry; Dental Research
Record Identifier: 9984065977202771

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