• Users Online: 476
  • Home
  • Print this page
  • Email this page
Home About us Editorial board Ahead of print Current issue Search Archives Submit article Instructions Subscribe Contacts Login 


 
 Table of Contents  
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2018  |  Volume : 2  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 23-25

Study on variations of pulp morphology in normal teeth


Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Date of Web Publication17-Jul-2018

Correspondence Address:
Lavanya Karunagaran
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/ijofb.ijofb_6_18

Rights and Permissions
  Abstract 


Background: Every tooth has a distinctive pulp and root morphology which varies from one segment to another. This myriad presentation of the pulp makes better understanding of pulp morphology mandatory to provide a successful endodontic treatment. Previously, extensive studies have been done on the morphology of the pulp. Objective: The present study was designed to study the pulpal morphology using the diaphanization technique. Materials and Methods: Fifty normally developed and erupted single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth were selected for the study, and the diaphanization technique was used to render them transparent. Methyl red/violet dyes were injected until it took up the entire pulp morphology, except for slight destruction in the crown portion due to the access preparation. The tooth model was then mounted vertically on to a sticky wax. Results: The lateral canals, apical foramina, furcations, and anastomoses of all the teeth were analyzed. Conclusion: The diaphanization technique helped in visualizing the pulp morphology of each tooth in a 3-dimensional aspect. It is an easier and inexpensive tool that provides better insight into understanding the pulp morphology in vitro. The models hence prepared can be used as teaching aid in preclinical studies for dental students to gain skills.

Keywords: Diaphanization technique, pulpal morphology, Root canal


How to cite this article:
Karunagaran L, Ramani P, Premkumar P, Natesan A, Sherlin H. Study on variations of pulp morphology in normal teeth. Int J Orofac Biol 2018;2:23-5

How to cite this URL:
Karunagaran L, Ramani P, Premkumar P, Natesan A, Sherlin H. Study on variations of pulp morphology in normal teeth. Int J Orofac Biol [serial online] 2018 [cited 2024 Mar 19];2:23-5. Available from: https://www.ijofb.org/text.asp?2018/2/1/23/236883




  Introduction Top


Every tooth has a distinctive pulp and root morphology which varies from one segment to another. This myriad presentation of the pulp makes the better understanding of pulp morphology mandatory to provide a successful endodontic treatment. Various classifications to describe the pulp morphology have been proposed by authors such as Pineda and Kuttler [1] and Vertucci et al.[2] Over the years, numerous techniques have been suggested to view the pulp morphology, each with its own advantages and limitations. The longitudinal technique proposed by Sommer et al.[3] was unable to identify lateral canals and other techniques provided only a two-dimensional (2D) picture of the pulp.

The 3D view has an edge over the 2D methods. In 1969, Barker et al.[4] were the first to introduce the method of 3D view study. Recently, more sophisticated methodologies such as 3D rotatable scan [5] and microcomputed tomography have been used to assess pulpal morphology.[6] However, these were more technique sensitive and expensive.

The diaphanization (transparent tooth technique) proposed by Maralingannavar [7] is a simple and inexpensive method for real-time visualization of the pulp. This technique has been employed to study the variations in the pulp morphology in Indian population. Although various techniques have been used to study and evaluate the canal morphology, it has been reported that the most detailed description can be obtained by demineralization and staining.[2] This is regarded as an excellent method to study the pulp canal morphology. Proper clearing and adequate penetration of the dye has been regarded as the finer method to visualize the intricate details of the canals. Therefore, in our current study, we had employed the diaphanization technique to visualize the pulp three-dimensionally and compared it with Vertucci's classification.


  Materials and Methods Top


Sample selection

The study consited of 50 extracted teeth obtained from both maxillary and mandibular arches of patients with no systemic disorder. From both the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. They were segregated into three groups: Group I included the anterior teeth, Group II – cuspids, and Group III – posteriors. The distribution of teeth in each group is summarized in [Table 1]. Only tooth eith intact crown and root morphology were included in the study.  All the third molars, tooth with systemic disorders, and developmental disorders were excluded from the study.
Table  1: Distribution of teeth in each study group

Click here to view


Methodology

Fifty normally developed and erupted single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth were selected for the study. The occlusal access opening was done using NSK Pana-Max high-speed air-turbine handpiece. Once the canals were located, minimal instrumentation such as files was used to prepare it. The prepared teeth were then placed overnight in 5.25% of sodium hypochlorite for debridement and cleansing followed by the next day in 100% of ethyl alcohol overnight for dehydration. The samples were then examined for the apical patency using jet stream. Those specimens that did not have apical patency were discarded. The samples were washed in distilled water and kept for 2–3 days in 10% of nitric acid for decalcification (the bulk teeth required a day more). Then, finally, the samples were placed in methyl salicylate until it turned transparent giving glass-like appearance. Later, the methyl red/violet dyes were injected drop by drop using a fine-needle syringe until it takes up the entire tooth morphology, except for slight destruction in the crown portion due to the access preparation. The tooth model is then mounted vertically on to a sticky wax.


  Results Top


The results of the study are summarized in [Table 2] and [Table 3].
Table  2: The morphological variations in maxillary teeth

Click here to view
Table  3: Morphology of mandibular teeth

Click here to view


The pulp morphology was observed and compared with Vertucci's classification.


  Discussion Top


The present study showed predominantly a single-rooted presentation of mandibular incisors. Maxillary second premolars exhibited a more complex picture with Vertucci's type II classification with two separate canals merging into a single apical foramen.[2] The technique helped us in better visualization of both the canals in a 3D view. The mandibular first premolars showed the most common type 1 root canal morphology (based on Vertucci's classification).[2] Our study also showed the occurrence of a single canal in the mandibular second premolar. The present study validates the use of the diaphanization technique to provide a 3D view of the pulpal morphology. The major advantages of this method are the speed with which it can be done (5–7 days), simplicity of the technique, necessity of minimal equipment, and use of relatively less toxic chemicals as against numerous sophisticated and expensive methodologies.

Understanding the pulp morphology is essential so as to prepare the dental students to appreciate the varied normal morphology and be prepared for any unexpected presentations. Therefore, a precise assessment of the dental tooth anatomy is of extreme importance as it would help us in better treatment planning. The root canal system has a myriad of shapes, configurations, and patterns. Varieties of techniques have been used to study the root canal morphology using transparent tooth study model. The clearing study technique considered in this study gives a 3D view of the pulp morphology, in relation to the exterior of the tooth. In addition, instruments were not used to enter the canal; hence, the pulp morphology is preserved and the exact anatomical structure is maintained. The major advantages of this procedure are the period (5–7 days), the simplicity and the minimal toxic chemicals compared to the other procedures, and the cost. Not much significant variations of the pulp morphology are detailed. The knowledge obtained in this simple technique helps in well appreciating the pulp chambers and canal.

The other uses of transparent tooth model systems include (i) to study the root canal morphology of the pulp, (ii) preclinical teaching aid in an oral anatomy, (iii) provides 3D view of the root canal system, (iv) preclinical endodontic teaching aid, (v) to demonstrate the root canal treatment model to patients, (vi) improvement of endodontic skills in dental students, and (vii) assessment of endodontic material.


  Conclusion Top


The diaphanization technique helped in visualizing the pulp morphology of each tooth in a 3D aspect. Although numerous in vivo studies involving radiographs are available, they have their limitations such as radiation exposure, 2D representation, and imaging artifacts. In contrast, the current study is an easier and inexpensive tool that provides a better insight into understanding the pulp morphology in vitro. The models hence prepared can be used as teaching aid in preclinical studies for dental students to gain skills. It may also be used to explain the endodontic procedures and visualize complex pulp morphology.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.



 
  References Top

1.
Pineda F, Kuttler Y. Mesiodistal and buccolingual roentgenographic investigation of 7,275 root canals. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1972;33:101-10.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Vertucci F, Seelig A, Gillis R. Root canal morphology of the human maxillary second premolar. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1974;38:456-64.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Sommer RF, Ostrander FD, Crowley MC. Clinical Endodontic. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders's; 1956. p. 5-40.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Barker BC, Lockett BC, Parsons KC. The demonstration of root canal anatomy. Aust Dent J 1969;14:37-41.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Brown P, Herbranson E. Dental Anatomy & 3D Tooth Atlas Version 3.0. Illinois. Quintessence; 2005.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Kato A, Ohno N. Construction of three-dimensional tooth model by micro-computed tomography and application for data sharing. Clin Oral Investig 2009;13:43-6.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Maralingannavar M. Demonstration of root canal morphology of human permanent teeth using transparent tooth model system. Int J Contemp Dent 2010;1:18-22.  Back to cited text no. 7
    



 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3]



 

Top
 
 
  Search
 
Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
Access Statistics
Email Alert *
Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)

 
  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Me...
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Introduction
Materials and Me...
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed5762    
    Printed578    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded468    
    Comments [Add]    

Recommend this journal


[TAG2]
[TAG3]
[TAG4]