New Classification of the root canal cross-sectional shape

Among all the factors that determine the success of endodontic treatment, the morphology of the root canal can be considered the most important, since the choice of preparation technique and instrument is determined by the shape of the canal. It is very difficult to adequately clean canals with instruments alone, which increases the importance of choosing the correct irrigation solution with sufficient volume and method of application. Thus, the study of the shape and diameter of the root canal before and after preparation, the effectiveness and quality of drug treatment of the root canal are issues that require further study. There is a lot of work on the processing of the apical part of the root canals with rotating instruments, but taking into account their anatomical structure and the effectiveness of the instruments, it is not enough. In this work, we analyzed the cross-sectional shape of the canals of single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth using CBCT. The study of the cross-section of root canals in the coronal, middle and apical third showed that the shape is not constant, changes depending on the number of canals in the root, the presence or absence of isthmuses and the age of the patient. A new classification of root canals is proposed: according to the shape, canals with unchanging (constant) and changing shape can be distinguished throughout the entire length of the canal. A change in the shape of the canal is possible in the middle and apical third. The most variable canal shape is found in the apical part. Changing the shape of the canal in the apical part to oval or slit makes it problematic to process this part of the canal with a round instrument.

Anzhela Brago, Assoc. Professor

Anzhela Brago, Assoc. Professor of Department of Propaedeutics of Dental Diseases, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University).