title: [SEM study of morphologyc and incidence of accessory canals in the furcation region of permanent molars].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The lateral canals in the molar furcation region could represent a connection, well separated from the apical region, between dental pulp and periodontal tissues and may be used by bacteria or toxins both in an endodontic-periodontal direction and vice versa. A SEM study was carried out on the furcation region of permanent molars to evaluate the morphology and incidence of lateral canals.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 53 permanent molars were selected. The microinfiltration test was performed on each sample using methylene blue 1% before being sectioned and examined using a Zeiss Opmi 9-FC stereomicroscope and SEM ISI DS 130.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Openings of lateral canals were found in the furcation region of 50.94% of the samples examined. The mean diameter of the orifices was 130 mm. The apertures were elliptical and flared. The holes occasionally appeared to be the end of probable single or double canals, but were not always patent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the light of these findings, the authors advise disinfecting and filling the dental pulp cavity during root treatment and, in the event of severe periodontal disease, evaluating the vitality of dental elements before surgery, thus ensuring a correct therapeutic approach by not overlooking the possibility of combined lesions.
authors.affiliation: Corso di Laurea in Odontoiatria e Protesi Dentaria, Insegnamento di Odontoiatria Conservatrice, Università degli Studi, Sassari, Italy.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Lugliè
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sergente
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography