SEM study of morphologyc and incidence of accessory canals in the furcation

BACKGROUND: The lateral canals in the molar furcation region could represent a
connection, well separated from the apical region, between dental pulp and
periodontal tissues and may be used by bacteria or toxins both in an
endodontic-periodontal direction and vice versa. A SEM study was carried out on
the furcation region of permanent molars to evaluate the morphology and incidence
of lateral canals.
METHODS: A total of 53 permanent molars were selected. The microinfiltration test
was performed on each sample using methylene blue 1% before being sectioned and
examined using a Zeiss Opmi 9-FC stereomicroscope and SEM ISI DS 130.
RESULTS: Openings of lateral canals were found in the furcation region of 50.94%
of the samples examined. The mean diameter of the orifices was 130 mm. The
apertures were elliptical and flared. The holes occasionally appeared to be the
end of probable single or double canals, but were not always patent.
CONCLUSIONS: In the light of these findings, the authors advise disinfecting and
filling the dental pulp cavity during root treatment and, in the event of severe
periodontal disease, evaluating the vitality of dental elements before surgery,
thus ensuring a correct therapeutic approach by not overlooking the possibility
of combined lesions.

PMID: 11378640 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]