Microcomputed tomographic analysis of the furcation grooves of maxillary first premolars

Abstract

Objectives. The aims of this study were to conduct a morphometric analysis on the buccal furcation grooves in freshly extracted bifurcated maxillary first premolars (MFPs) and to correlate all anatomical measurements using microcomputed tomography.

Materials and Methods. Twenty-three human MFPs with bifurcated canals were selected for this study. The specimens were analyzed with microcomputed tomography.The length, the beginning, and the ending of the grooveswere measured. The minimum cross-sectional canal wallthickness in the grooves was located, and the width ofthe dentin thickness was calculated. All measurementswere recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results. The concavity of the grooves begins before the bifurcation site in 9/23 samples and after the bifurcation in 56.5% of samples. The groove length varied between 1.1-9 mm; the cross-sectional area with minimum palatal dentin thickness was 0.78±0.14 mm, which was locatedat a mean distance of 7.1 mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and 1.38 mm from the furcation.

Conclusions. The presence of the furcation grooves in the palatal aspects of the buccal roots of the MFPs was 100%. The length, depth, location, and width of the dentinthickness of the grooves varied in relation to tooth length, bifurcation, and CEJ. These parameters shouldbe taken into consideration before any endodontic orrestorative procedures are performed. Reducing dentin width too vigorously by intracanal instrumentation can predispose to vertical root fractures or perforations; if a post cannot be avoided, it should not extend 6.5 mmfrom the CEJ.