In vitro evaluation of isthmus in mandibular molars by means of optical microscopy

Humberto Ramah Menezes de Matos, Aldo Angelim Dias

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of isthmus in mesial and distal root canals of mandibular molars. The study was approved by Universidade de Fortaleza Institutional Review Board under protocol #181.388 of December, 20th 2012. A total of 150 mandibular molars were selected, 50 first molars (Group 1), 50 second molars (Group 2) and 50 third molars (Group 3). The roots of all teeth were sectioned with a carborundum disk. To better visualize the area of the isthmus, optical microscope magnification and manual files were used. With the methodology used, it was found that: in Group 1, 76% of mesial root canals and 53.7% of distal root canals had isthmus; in Group 2, 86% of mesial root canals and 40.6% of distal root canals were united by isthmus; finally, in Group 3, 91% of mesial canals and 13.5% of distal root canals communicated by isthmus. Therefore, it was observed that the incidence of isthmus connecting root canals of mandibular molar roots was expressive in all three groups.

Keywords: Molar. Root canal. Anatomy.

How to cite: Matos HRM, Dias AA. In vitro evaluation of isthmus in mandibular molars by means of optical microscopy. Dental Press Endod. 2015 May-Aug;5(2):51-5. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.5.2.051-055.oar

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