Cone-beam dental computerized tomography for evaluating changes of aging in the dimensions central superior incisor root canals.
OBJECTIVE
Cone-beam dental computerize tomography (CBCT), a noninvasive imaging method, was used to image the pulp-dentin complex. Pulp changes histologically with aging. While many studies have investigated the histological changes in pulp, few studies have focused on the changes in the shape of the root canals. This study evaluated the changes in the root canals with aging of central superior teeth using CBCT.


METHODS
The study examined 100 non-carious maxillary central teeth. These teeth were divided into five groups according to the age of the patients: Group A:15-24, Group B: 25-34, Group C: 35-44, Group D: 45-54 and Group E: 55 years and older. CBCT was used to determine root length, and pulp width at the cervical, apical 1/2, and apical 1/3.


RESULTS
On comparing the groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the root length did not differ (P>0.05), while the pulp width at the cervical, apical 1/2, and apical 1/3 differed between the groups (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The pulp length did not change with aging, while the pulp width did change. CBCT can be used to determine the precise root length and width, to prevent iatrogenic exposure of the apex, complementing existing methods. This will improve the prediction of the prognosis of root canal treatment.
Kaya
Sadullah
S
Dr. Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, 21280 Diyarbakir/Turkey. sadullahkaya@hotmail.com
Adiguzel
Ozkan
O
Yavuz
Izzet
I
Tumen
Emin-Caner
EC
Akkus
Zeki
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003804:Dentin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008334:Mandible; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult