Anat Cell Biol.  2022 Jun;55(2):155-160. 10.5115/acb.22.050.

Observation of mandibular second molar roots and root canal morphology using dental cone-beam computed tomography

• Shigefuji R
• Serikawa M
• Usami A

• KMID: 2531202
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.22.050

Abstract

The mandibular second molars show various morphological features in the roots and root canal, and a guttershaped root (GSR) caused by fusion of the mesial and distal roots is frequently encountered. In this study the number of the roots associated with mandibular second molars were observed using dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). For those with a GSR, determination of root morphology and root canal classification were performed. CBCT image data from 173 Japanese mandibular second molars were obtained. Using sliced images, the number of the roots and root morphology were determined. In cases with a GSR, the ratio for the fused roots was determined and root canal morphology features were classified. A GSR was found in 61 (35.3%), with greater prevalence in females. In addition, the overall ratio of the fused part to root thickness in those with a GSR was 48.7%, with no significant difference related to sex. Furthermore, a C-shaped root canal morphology was commonly observed in both males and females with a GSR. In the present cohort examined in Japanese, most of the mandibular second molar were found to have two roots, with a GSR noted in 35.5%. While a GSR was more often observed in females, a C-shaped root canal was the most common root canal morphology in both sexs. It is considered that assessment using CBCT findings is helpful for precise determination of root canal morphology and presence of a GSR in mandibular second molars.

Keyword

Mandibular second molar; Gutter-shaped root; Cone-beam computed tomography; Root canal

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Cone-beam computed tomography images demonstrating various root and root canal morphological features. (A, B) Single root. (A) Conical single root. (B) Gutter-shaped root. (C–F) Double-root. (C) Gutter-shaped root and root on lingual side. (D) Double root with two root canals. (E) Double root with three root canals. (F) Double root with four root canals. (G) Three roots with three root canals. (H) Four roots with four root canals.

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  Fig. 2 Method for fused site of root. a, thickness at fused site; b, thickness of root canal. a/b = Ratio of fused site of root canal divided by root canal thickness.

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  Fig. 3 Binarization process. (A) Sliced image showing mandibular second molar root canal. (B) Image showing periradicular region of interest. (C) Binarized image showing region of interest.

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  Fig. 4 Classification for root canal morphology of gutter-shaped root. C1, C-shaped; C2, Semicolon-like shape; C3(c), Separated three-root canals; C3(d), Separated two-root canals with smaller root canals, different from that shown in C3(c); C4, Single root; C5, Unobservable root canal. Cited from Fan et al. J Endod 2004;30:899-903, with permission [22].

Reference

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