Frequency of transverse anastomoses with and without apical communication in Japanese population teeth

The aim of this study was to describe and measure the frequency of transverse anastomoses with and without an apical communication in Japanese population teeth. One hundred and twenty-three extracted teeth from Japanese people were used in this study. The sample consisted of: 63 mandibular first molars, 30 maxillary first molars and 30 maxillary first premolars. Access openings were made through the crowns to the pulp chamber and India ink was injected into the coronal pulp space and vacuumed from the apical end. The teeth were cleaned and digital micrographs taken from several angles to identify transverse anastomoses. Fourteen teeth had only one canal and 81 teeth out of 109 (74%) had transverse anastomoses including 6 teeth (5.5%) that had an apical communication. Most of the anastomoses (50) were located in the middle portion of the canal and 22 (20%) teeth showed multiple anastomoses. Special attention must be taken after resection of roots with apparent multiple canals. The potentially exposed exits and/or isthmuses should be taken into consideration during surgical endodontic treatment.