Evaluation of distal canal configurations of the mandibular first molar teeth by micro-computed tomography

Abstract

Öz:Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological aspects of the root canal anatomy of the distal roots of mandibular first molars using micro computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The distal roots of sixty mandibular first molar teeth were visualized two-dimensionally by micro computed tomography. The views of all roots at 2, 5, and 8 mm were measured in terms of major diameter (dmax), minor diameter (dmin) and total area of root canal (A) pixels by x400 magnification. The roundness of a discrete two-dimentionally object is defined as 4.A/(p.[dmax]²), where A is the area and dmax is the major diameter. The aspect ratio is a measure of shape, and it is achieved by dividing the value of the major diameter by the minor diameter. Results: The roundness value at 2 mm were statistically significantly higher than the roundness value at 5 mm and 8 mm. The aspect ratio at 8 mm was found statistically significantly higher than other groups. Conclusions: The increased rate of flattened canals was observed in a coronal direction from the apex. The distal root canals were more round at the apical third.