Radix paramolaris in permanent mandibular molars: identification and morphology

Area of Science:

• Dental Morphology
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• The Royal Dental College in Copenhagen possesses a significant collection of human teeth.
• Mandibular molars with a facially-located supernumerary root, termed radix paramolaris (RP), are present in this collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish precise identification criteria for radix paramolaris (RP) in permanent mandibular molars (M1, M2, M3).
• To analyze and map the variants of RP, including separate and non-separate forms.
• To register clinically relevant variables associated with RP, such as degree of separation, divergence, and apical characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 203 permanent mandibular molars with radix paramolaris from a Danish collection.
• Qualitative and non-metric assessment of RP morphology and associated features.
• Mapping of RP variants across different mandibular molar types.

Main Results:

• Uniform criteria for identifying RP in M1, M2, and M3 molars were established.
• The representation of various RP forms and their characteristics (separation, divergence, bend, gracility, fusion) were documented.
• The study provides a detailed overview of radix paramolaris morphology within the analyzed sample.

Conclusions:

• The established criteria facilitate consistent identification of radix paramolaris in clinical and anthropological contexts.
• Understanding RP morphology is crucial for dental practitioners and researchers in dental morphology and anthropology.
• This research contributes to the detailed anatomical knowledge of human mandibular molars.