Coronal pulp size in molars: a study of bitewing radiographs

Area of Science:

• Dental Anatomy
• Anthropology
• Radiology

Background:

• Understanding coronal pulp dimensions is crucial for dental procedures.
• Restorations can impact pulp size, potentially affecting tooth vitality.
• Ethnic variations in tooth morphology are recognized but require detailed pulp dimension analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify coronal pulp dimensions in human first molars.
• To assess the influence of dental restorations on pulp size.
• To investigate ethnic differences in pulp and crown morphology, specifically comparing Mongoloid and other groups.
• To document the prevalence of pulp stones.

Main Methods:

• Digital analysis of bitewing radiographs from 121 subjects (445 first molars).
• Measurements of nine parameters per tooth, analyzed by restoration presence/absence and ethnic group.
• Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, Pearson correlations, and Levene's test.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between crown and pulp size.
• Teeth with occlusal and proximal restorations showed significantly smaller pulps.
• Mongoloid patients displayed shorter, more bulbous crowns with larger pulp areas in maxillary molars and specific mandibular regions.
• Pulp stones were observed in approximately 4% of examined pulps.

Conclusions:

• Even shallow occlusal restorations reduce pulp space.
• Significant differences in pulp and crown dimensions exist between Mongoloid and other ethnic groups.
• Findings highlight the impact of restorations and ethnic variations on dental anatomy.