Anatomical evaluation of root apex morphology

Introduction: The success of root canal therapy is dependent on the clinician’s knowledge of root canal morphology with goal to precisely locate all canals, properly clean, shape and obturate the canal space. Aim: The aim in our study was to to determine the morphologic shape and position of the root apex and the major foramen in maxillary teeth. Material and method: A total of 120 maxillary human teeth were evaluated. Central and lateral incisors, canines, premolars, and molars) with completely formed apices were used. These teeth were obtained from the Dental Medicine at our institution. The dental specimens were collected and analyzed in accordance to the guidelines set forth by our institution’s Ethics Committee. Each root specimen was measured at each root apex by using a calibrated microscope at magnification of 20 X. The anatomic parameters evaluated were the shapes of peripheral contours of major apical foramen (rounded, oval, asymmetric, semilunar) and the root apex (rounded, flat, beveled, elliptical). The location was recorded and classified as center, buccal, lingual, mesial, or distal surface for both root apex and the major apical foramen. Results: The most common morphology of the root apex in incisives, canines, and premolars group was the round shape, followed by the elliptical shape in maxillary molars. The most common shape of the major foramen in all groups was round, followed by oval. The root apex was most commonly located in the center in all groups followed by distal and buccal locations. Conclusion: The predominant morphology of the root apex in incisors and premolars was the round shape. The morphology of the apical foramen showed a predominance of the rounded shape followed by the oval shape. The prevalent location of the root apex and the foramen was the central position followed by the distal position. Key Words: Anatomic root apex, dental anatomy, morpholog