Summary:
Purpose: to use high-resolution micro-CT to measure and compare a wide array of anatomic parameters in contralateral premolars.
N= 82 Man & Max premolars
Materials/Methods:
•Scanned with micro–CT and reconstructed.
•Quantitative comparative assessment of measurements was performed by pairwise statistical analysis of contralateral and random pairs.
•All measured parameters (lengths, widths, and thicknesses) were compared (Figure 1).
•A correlation study was also performed.
•Canal configurations and isthmi were classified according to preexisting classification schemes.
•The number and location of accessory canals and apical foramina were registered and compared.
Most highlighted Results:
•Contralateral premolar pairs demonstrated a high degree of similarity (89% no sig difference) in terms of the linear measurements (lengths, widths, and thicknesses).
•The apical portion (foramina, C-shapes, and accessory canals) did not demonstrate bilateral symmetry (71% sig difference).
•Clinical significance:
Clinicians must expect the high degree of similarity between contralateral premolars when performing endodontic procedure.
