Methods for Evaluation of Root Canal Curvatures

Abstract

Knowledge of root canal curvature is a important factor in successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to check the possibility of including the data already known on the root canal anatomy into mathematical formulae which could lead to details not revealed by radiographies.

Materials and methods: A total of 98 radiographs of were taken by periapical parallel technique and processed by automatic processing. 86% of the 98 root canals examined, were curved. Most angulation was 72 degree with a radius of curvature_of_2mm. The degree of canal curvature was measured at mesiodistal and bucco-lingual direction with Schneider method. The root curvature was assessed by using Corel Draw Graphics Suite Z5 and computer Sony VaioVPCEB4L1E.

Results:

The angles of curvature ranged from 0 degrees to 72 degrees in bucco-lingual vestibulo-oral radiographs and from 0 degrees to 65 degrees in mesio-distal radiographs . The highest range in vestibulo-oral incidence was 34.5 mm and in mesiodistal incidence, 49.2 mm.

Distomesial approach has been used for gathering information on root canal curvatures, which may not usually be obtained using radiographs taken in bucco-lingual incidence.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that Schneider method is reliable to determine the degree of rooth canal curvature. In this way the dentists can enhance endodontic therapy predictability and minimize errors during root canal obturation.