The internal anatomy of danger zone of mandibular molars: A cone-beam computed tomography study

The aim of this study was the assessment of the anatomical thickness of danger zone in the cervical third of mesial canals of mandibular molars.

Fifty mandibular molars were selected and scanned with cone-beam computed tomography. Data were compared using a length tool provided by scanner software. The measured areas were the mesial and distal walls of the cervical third of the mesial roots, which correspond to the safety and danger zones, respectively. In addition, dentin thickness at the furcation was evaluated.

Dentin thicknesses of the safety zone were higher than in the danger zone in all teeth examined. The thinnest dentin of the safety zone was found at a point located 4 mm below the canal orifice, with a mean value of 1.03 mm; conversely, in the danger zone, the thinnest point was located 3 mm below the orifice, with a mean value of 0.81 mm. As for the distance from the pulp chamber floor to the furcation, the average value was 2.23 mm.

These results show that mean thicknesses at the danger zone of mandibular molar mesial roots were <1.0 mm. These data reinforce the importance of understanding anatomy and the need for conservative preparations when assessing and instrumenting these root canals.