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Pulp size in molars: underestimation on radiographs.
N P Chandler1, T R Pitt Ford, B D Monteith
1Department of Oral Rehabilitation, University of Otago School of Dentistry, Dunedin, New Zealand. nick.chandler@dent.otago.ac.nz
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|July 22, 2004
Summary
Radiographs underestimate pulp size in diseased human molars, suggesting pulp tissue may be more accessible for diagnostic testing like laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) than typically assumed.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental diagnostics
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate assessment of pulp size is crucial for diagnosing dental conditions.
- Radiographic interpretation of pulp size may not fully reflect actual pulp dimensions in restored teeth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of radiographs in estimating pulp size in diseased/restored human first molars.
- To assess the accessibility of pulp tissue for diagnostic testing using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF).
Main Methods:
- Radiographs of 56 extracted human first molars were taken.
- Teeth were sectioned, photographed, and pulp areas measured digitally.
- Pulp width and height were recorded; data analyzed using Pearson correlations.
Main Results:
- Radiographs underestimated pulp area within the clinical crown by 23% compared to actual measurements (P < 0.05).
- Radiographs and sections showed agreement in only one tooth regarding the absence of pulp tissue in the crown.
- 16% of teeth lacked pulp tissue in the clinical crown upon sectioning.
Conclusions:
- Radiographs do not accurately indicate pulp size in diseased/restored human molars.
- Pulp tissue may be more accessible for diagnostic testing, such as LDF, than suggested by radiographs.
- Further investigation into LDF applicability in teeth with minimal or absent coronal pulp is warranted.