In vitro study of the morphology of internal lower second molars

Resumo

The mandibular molars are a group of teeth that
have a complex internal morphology, and its fundamental knowledge
is necessary. The second molar has two roots, one mesial and
distal, but three canals are more commonly find: two in the mesial
root and one in the distal root. Objective: To study through four
criteria: radiographic, clinical, microscopic, and anatomy, the
internal morphology of the mandibular second molars. Material and
methods: This was a cross-sectional, in vitro, descriptive, observational
study, in which 50 second molars were selected, having as exclusion
criteria teeth destroyed by caries. Inclusion criteria comprised teeth
with higid and semi-higid crowns Results: ��� of mandibular
second molars had three canals. The round-shaped cross section
was the most common throughout the cervical-apical extension of
both mesial (59%) and distal (47%) canals. However, other possible
configurations and number of canals can be found in second molars,
as the presence of four (12%) or five canals (3%). 36.7% of the mesial
canals and 29.4% of distal canals were flattened in the mesial-distal
direction and elongated in buccolingual direction; the variation of
the "C-shaped" canal was found in 4% of cases. Conclusion: The
most frequent configuration and number of canals of mandibular second molars were, respectively, the round-shaped cross section
configuration in the entire length of the canal, and three canals.
However the professional should be aware that this morphology may
vary as shown in each research phase. Therefore, to achieve clinical
success, the professional should have the knowledge of the internal
morphology of these teeth and their possible variations.