Negotiation of C-shaped canal systems in mandibular second molars.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate the method of canal negotiation in the presence of differently C-shaped orifices using the micro-computed tomography technique.


METHODS
Forty-four extracted mandibular second molars with C-shaped roots were collected from a Chinese population. Size 10 or 15 K files were used to explore the canal orifices when viewed under the surgical operating microscope. Choices in the number and position of the files inserted into the canal system were based on the different orifice shape. After the teeth with files were scanned and reconstructed, the number and position of the files were analyzed.


RESULTS
Among 44 teeth, a total of 132 initial files were inserted into 83 orifices, in which 42 orifices had only one initial file, 33 with two, and 8 orifices had three files inserted. Eight main canals were not located because of canal bifurcations in the root, calcification, and dentin fusion.


CONCLUSIONS
This new method for negotiation combined with careful exploration may provide an effective way for indentifying the nature of the canal system and enhancing debridement in these complex canal anatomies.
Fan
Bing
B
Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Endodontic Center, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. bingfan8@hotmail.com
Min
Yi
Y
Lu
Guanfan
G
Yang
Jun
J
Cheung
Gary S P
GS
Gutmann
James L
JL
D003762:Dental Instruments; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009811:Odontometry; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography