Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing CBCT and Digital Dental Image Integration with AI-Assisted Digitization
Published on: February 23, 2024
Association between the Root Canal Configuration, Endodontic Treatment Technical Errors, and Periapical Hypodensities
Hugo Gaêta-Araujo1, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele1, Eduarda Helena Leandro Nascimento1
1Division of Oral Radiology, Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
This study aimed to evaluate the association between the root canal configuration (RCC), endodontic technical errors, and periapical hypodensities in molars using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.
Methods:
Two hundred twenty-one roots were assessed from 79 patients referred for CBCT examination because of symptomatology in endodontically treated molars. Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists classified the RCC of each dental root according to Vertucci's classification. Root canals were assessed for the presence of technical errors from endodontic treatment. The presence of periapical hypodensity for each dental root and the coronal sealing condition of each tooth were also recorded.
Results:
For RCC type I, the most prevalent technical error was underfilling (17.4%). For types II and VIII, nonfilled canals were found in 54% and 100% of the cases, respectively. For type III, underfilling, nonhomogeneous filling, and nonfilled canals were equally frequent (33.3%), whereas for type IV underfilling and nonfilled canals had a prevalence of 42%. In general, there was a higher prevalence of apical hypodensities among roots with technical errors. It was also observed for type I, with an increase from 41.2%-62.9% when a technical error was present.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of different endodontic technical errors varies depending on the RCC for molars. A greater complexity of RCC is related to a higher occurrence of errors and a higher prevalence of periapical hypodensity.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...