Evaluation of internal morphology in third molars using four different methods

Humberto Ramah Menezes de Matos, Suyane Parente Leite, Flavia Maria Noronha Nigri, Luanni Belmino Mastroianni, Aldo Angelim-Dias

This research assessed the amount and configuration of root canals in maxillary and mandibular third molars by means of four methods (radiographic, macroscopic, microscopic, and serial sections). A total of 100 third molars were selected, and the following exclusion criteria were applied: teeth with crowns completely destroyed by caries; incomplete root formation; root resorption or fractures. Healthy teeth or teeth with minor restorations were included. Samples were divided into two groups (GS and GI) consisted of maxillary third molars (n=50) and mandibular third molars (n=50), respectively. Subsequently, teeth were assessed by radiographic, macroscopic, microscopic and serial section methods. There was a higher prevalence of three root canals (68.7% in GS and 65.3% in GI). The most predominant root canal configuration was circular (64.9% in GS and 51.3% in G I), followed by flattened (27.6% in GS and 38% in GI), and oval (7.4% in GS and 7% in GI). According to the outcomes and methods of this study, it is concluded that third molars have a wide variation in internal anatomy, which is key to know and master whenever endodontic treatment is recommended.

Keywords: Molar. Dental pulp cavity. Anatomy. Endodontics.

How to cite: Matos HRM, Leite SP, Nigri FMN, Mastroianni LB, Angelim- Dias A. Evaluation of internal morphology in third molars using four different methods. Dental Press Endod. 2017 Jan-Apr;7(1):8-13. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.7.1.008-013.oar

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