Evaluation of accessory furcation canals of permanent mandibular molars using radiography and clearing

Authors

  • Leandro José Corrêa Harb
  • Fernanda Lavarda Ramos
  • Carine Weber Pires
  • Maria Gabriela Pereira Carvalho
  • Katia Olmedo Braun

Keywords:

Furcation defects, anatomy, histology, tooth demineralization, radiography, molars

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the presence of furcation canals of permanent mandibular teeth using radiography and a clearing technique. Methods: The sample comprised 344 extracted mandibular molars. The presence of furcation canals was assessed by a single trained observer using magnifying lens (4x) for the dental radiographs and a dental optical microscope (30x) for the cleared specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate morphological differences in the pulp chamber floor. Results: Radiographs showed that 9% of the specimens had radiolucent areas, 2% had an image that suggested a canal, and 89% had no abnormal findings. Clearing techniques did not show any accessory canal. SEM images revealed dentin tubules in recently extracted teeth; the other specimens had small areas with dentin tubules. Conclusion: Radiography was not better than the clearing technique to diagnose furcation canals. The clearing technique can provide three-dimensional visualization of the internal tooth anatomy for in vitro studies.

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Published

2010-09-30

Issue

Section

Original Article