DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/GBJZ-9Q57
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
First Advisor
Dr. Amber Ather
Second Advisor
Dr. Garry Myers
Third Advisor
Dr. Parthasarathy Madurantakam
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Caroline Carrico
Abstract
Introduction: Premolars are especially challenging to treat endodontically due to their small size and often-intricate anatomy. While the majority of premolars present with one or two root canals, the presence of three root canals has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the root-to-crown width ratio (RCWR) and number of root canals in maxillary and mandibular premolars.
Methods: Data was retrieved from the electronic health records of patients treated at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. A total of 100 premolars which had both periapical radiograph (PA) and cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) were identified and used for this study. The maximum mesial-distal crown width (MCW) and the widest mesio-distal width of the root (MRW) of each premolar were measured by two examiners using both PAs and CBCTs. The root-to-crown width ratio (RCWR) was calculated by dividing the MRW by the MCW. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between RCWR and the number of root canals as confirmed by CBCTs.
Results: Premolars with three root canals had a RCWR significantly higher than premolars with one or two root canals (p<0.0001). Based on the logistic regression model, RCWR of at least 0.83 as determined from a PA or RCWR of at least 0.70 from a CBCT were associated with three root canals (predicted probability of 90%).
Conclusion: A larger root-to-crown width ratio (RCWR) indicates a significantly higher probability of three root canals in maxillary and mandibular premolars.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-24-2023