Abstract
Abstract
Objectives Root canal localization is necessary for proper canal disinfection and obturation. Missed canals may act as a microorganism repository. As the world's population ages, the endodontic needs of the elders present increasing challenges for dental care providers. This study aimed to examine the missing canals in terms of ageing in endodontically treated 1st and 2nd molars in a Turkish population.Materials and Methods The study included maxillary and mandibular molar teeth of 619 subjects (317 female and 302 male). Cone-beam computed tomography images of 490 molar teeth representing at least one missing canal were divided into 3 groups according to the age of the subjects: 18–44, 45–64, and more than 65. The localization of the missed canals was recorded. The data were evaluated with the chi-square test, with the significance level set at a p-value of 0.05.Results The incidence of missing 2nd mesiobuccal canals in the 18–44 age group and 1st mesiobuccal canals in the over-45 age group was statistically higher (p < 0.05). The incidence of missing 2nd mesiobuccal canals in maxillary 1st molars was statistically higher than in maxillary 2nd molars (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the types of missing canals and age groups in mandibular molars (p > 0.05).Conclusion Missing canals were more frequent in the mesial roots of mandibular molars with ageing. With age, the incidence of missing canals increased in maxillary first molars but decreased in maxillary second molars.Clinical Relevance: Ageing can make it difficult to clinically locate the canals in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molars and mesial roots of mandibular molars.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC