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External and internal anatomy of third molars
D M Guerisoli1, R A de Souza, M D de Sousa Neto
1Disciplina de Endodontia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
Brazilian Dental Journal
|April 29, 1999
Summary
Third molar anatomy shows significant variability. Maxillary third molars can have up to 5 roots, while mandibular molars may have 3, with root canal numbers mirroring this complexity.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Anatomy
- Endodontics
Background:
- Third molars are prone to impaction and developmental anomalies.
- Understanding third molar root anatomy is crucial for endodontic and surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the external and internal anatomical variations of maxillary and mandibular third molars.
- To document the number and morphology of roots and root canals in third molars.
Main Methods:
- Diaphanization technique used to observe internal root canal anatomy.
- External morphology and root number/shape were measured and classified.
- Study included 269 third molars (155 maxillary, 114 mandibular).
Main Results:
- Significant anatomical variability was observed in both maxillary and mandibular third molars.
- Maxillary third molars exhibited up to 5 roots.
- Mandibular third molars demonstrated up to 3 roots.
- The number of root canals corresponded to the number of roots found.
Conclusions:
- Third molar root anatomy is highly variable, impacting clinical treatment planning.
- Clinicians should anticipate diverse root configurations in third molars.
- Further research into specific anatomical variations may improve predictability of endodontic and surgical outcomes.