Morphology of root canal cross-sections of resected roots of first and second lower molars

Precise preparation of the root canal ostium with a view to hermetical closing with retrograde root filling is an important prognostic factor determining the success of the procedure of tooth resection. Root canals interconnected with a narrow isthmus may cause problems both in endodontic treatment and in retrograde filling. The aim of this work is the research of the transverse cross-section of root canals of first and second lower molars on the resection model. The research encompasses 100 randomly selected molar teeth: 50 first and 50 second lower molars. The tooth root apexes were cut 3 mm below the apex and examined under an electron microscope, special attention being paid to the shape of root canal cross-sections. In the group of first molar teeth, in 20% the presence of an isthmus between canals in the proximal roots was observed; in the group of second molar teeth an isthmus between the canals of proximal roots occurred in 18% of the cases. It seems that the relatively high percentage (20%-18%) of the occurrence of an isthmus, 3 mm below the root apex, between two elongated transverse cross-section proximal root canals of first and second molars should encourage particular caution in the retrograde filling of the above-mentioned canals during the procedure of resection.