The prevalence of radix molaris in the mandibular first molars of a Saudi subpopulation based on cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of radix molaris (RM) (entomolaris and paramolaris) in the mandibular first permanent molars of a sample Saudi Arabian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 884 CBCT images of 427 male and 457 female Saudi citizens (age 16 to 70 years) were collected from the radiology department archives of 4 dental centers. A total of 450 CBCT images of 741 mature mandibular first molars that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The images were viewed at high resolution by 3 examiners and were analyzed with Planmeca Romexis software (version 5.2).RESULTS: Thirty-three (4.5%) mandibular first permanent molars had RM, mostly on the distal side. The incidence of radix entomolaris (EM) was 4.3%, while that of radix paramolaris was 0.3%. The RM roots had one canal and occurred more unilaterally. No significant difference in root configuration was found between males and females (p > 0.05). Types I and III EM root canal configurations were most common, while type B was the only RP configuration observed.CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RM in the mandibular first molars of this Saudi subpopulation was 4.5%. Identification of the supernumerary root can avoid missing the canal associated with the root during root canal treatment.

The prevalence of radix molaris in the mandibular first molars of a Saudi subpopulation based on cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of radix molaris (RM) (entomolaris and paramolaris) in the mandibular first permanent molars of a sample Saudi Arabian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A total of 884 CBCT images of 427 male and 457 female Saudi citizens (age 16 to 70 years) were collected from the radiology department archives of 4 dental centers. A total of 450 CBCT images of 741 mature mandibular first molars that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The images were viewed at high resolution by 3 examiners and were analyzed with Planmeca Romexis software (version 5.2).@*RESULTS@#Thirty-three (4.5%) mandibular first permanent molars had RM, mostly on the distal side. The incidence of radix entomolaris (EM) was 4.3%, while that of radix paramolaris was 0.3%. The RM roots had one canal and occurred more unilaterally. No significant difference in root configuration was found between males and females (p > 0.05). Types I and III EM root canal configurations were most common, while type B was the only RP configuration observed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The incidence of RM in the mandibular first molars of this Saudi subpopulation was 4.5%. Identification of the supernumerary root can avoid missing the canal associated with the root during root canal treatment.

Microorganism penetration in dentinal tubules of instrumented and retreated root canal walls. In vitro SEM study

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the ability of Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) to penetrate dentinal tubules of instrumented and retreated root canal surface of split human teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty intact extracted human single-rooted teeth were divided into 4 groups, negative control, positive control without canal instrumentation, instrumented, and retreated. Root canals in the instrumented group were enlarged with endodontic instruments, while root canals in the retreated group were enlarged, filled, and then removed the canal filling materials. The teeth were split longitudinally after canal preparation in 3 groups except the negative control group. The teeth were inoculated with both microorganisms separately and in combination. Teeth specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the depth of penetration into the dentinal tubules was assessed using the SMILE view software (JEOL Ltd). RESULTS: Penetration of C. albicans and E. faecalis into the dentinal tubules was observed in all 3 groups, although penetration was partially restricted by dentin debris of tubules in the instrumented group and remnants of canal filling materials in the retreated group. In all 3 groups, E. faecalis penetrated deeper into the dentinal tubules by way of cell division than C. albicans which built colonies and penetrated by means of hyphae. CONCLUSIONS: Microorganisms can easily penetrate dentinal tubules of root canals with different appearance based on the microorganism size and status of dentinal tubules.

prevalence of two canals in mesial root of endodontically treated maxillary first molars among a Saudi Arabian sub-population

The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the incidence of two root canals in the mesial root of the endodontically treated permanent maxillary first molars of a Saudi Arabian sub-population. A clinical study of 352 root-canal treated permanent maxillary first molars was conducted. The teeth were examined clinically and radiographyically. The results showed that 23.3 percent of the examined teeth had two canals in the mesial root [17.0 percent with one apical foramen and 6.3 percent with two separate foramens]. The occurrence of two canals in the mesial root of the maxillary first molar of a Saudi Arabian sub-population was within the normal range

Accidental injection of sodium hypochlorite beyond the root apex

Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most commonly used antimicrobial irrigating solution in endodontic therapy. It should Ideally be confined to the root canal system but incidences of injection into the periradicular area have been reported. Such an Incidence is reported in this case. Extreme pain, edema and hematoma usually occur after this accidental injection. Careful management and proper palliative treatment will restore these complications