ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of root canal isthmus (RCI) and measure the interorifice distance (IOD) between the root canals. Additionally to correlate IOD with the RCI in human permanent teeth using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Indian sub-population (Chennai). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 5881 teeth from 280 CBCT full mouth scans were analyzed. The presence or absence of complete and incomplete RCI of each tooth was identified using the map-reading strategy. IOD was calculated by measuring the distance between the center of each root canal orifice to that of the center of the adjacent orifice at the level of the cementoenamel junction using the axial and sagittal sections. Chi-square analysis and correlation statistics using Spearman's rank-order test was done (P < 0.05). RESULTS: High prevalence of RCI was found in maxillary first premolars, mesial root of mandibular molars, and mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars, while its prevalence was low in maxillary canines and mandibular premolars and absent in maxillary incisors. RCI was predominantly seen in the cervical and middle third of the root canal in all the teeth evaluated. A weak negative correlation was established between the IOD and RCI for maxillary premolars, whereas a weak positive correlation was seen in maxillary first molars and mandibular second molars. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RCI was high in the posterior teeth in comparison to the anterior teeth in the present study. There was no strong correlation between IOD and RCI in all the teeth evaluated.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: The aim of this study is to retrospectively determine the prevalence of impacted second molars and associated dental and radiographic findings in South Indian population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records of 4976 patients depending on the selection criteria from various dental clinics in South India were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All selected radiographs and records were examined by the two authors. The angle of impacted second molars was also recorded on panoramic radiographs. Data were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of impacted second mandibular molars was found to be 0.16%. In seven cases, the impaction was unilateral with three on the left and four on the right, and in one case, it was bilateral. The prevalence was found to be more in females than males. The angle of impaction was found to range from 19° to 80°. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of impacted second molars is low, it is crucial to diagnose early for optimal treatment.
