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A micro‐computed tomographic study of band‐shaped root canal isthmuses, having their floor in the apical third of mesial roots of mandibular first molars
Author(s) -
Keleş A.,
Keskin C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/iej.12842
Subject(s) - molar , coronal plane , geology , root canal , anatomy , circumference , computed tomographic , perimeter , tuft , roundness (object) , dentistry , orthodontics , mathematics , geometry , medicine , materials science , computed tomography , composite material , radiology
Aim To conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the band‐shaped isthmus area, the floor of which was in the apical third in the mesial roots of mandibular first molars using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Methodology Micro‐CT images of 269 mesial roots of mandibular first molars were evaluated, and 40 specimens with a band‐shaped isthmus, with a floor in the apical third, were selected. The major diameter, minor diameter, roundness, area and perimeter values for the most coronal and apical slices where the isthmus was visible were measured. The distances between these slices were measured as the isthmus length, and the total volume, structure model index and surface area of the isthmus were measured. The distances between the isthmus floor and two apical foramina and the number of root canal orifices were calculated. The dimensions of the isthmus roof and the floor were compared, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Student's t ‐tests with a significance threshold set at 5%. Results A total of 15% of the specimens had band‐shaped isthmuses with a floor in the apical third. The isthmus roof exhibited significantly greater major and minor diameter values compared to the isthmus floor ( P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between the isthmus roof and the floor with regard to roundness ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Three‐ and two‐dimensional analyses of the mesial roots of mandibular molars revealed that band‐shaped isthmuses had complex shapes.