Assessing peculiarity of molar root trunk dimensions in a sample of Saudi population – A radiographic analysis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the dimensions of root trunk lengths (RTL) in maxillary and mandibular molars and evaluate their correlation with the mesio-distal (MD) width of the tooth at the level of cemento enamel junction and Inter-Radicular Angle (IRA) at the point of roots separation. Materials and methods: Radiographic measurements of a total of 955 molars from 120 study subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The sampling frame consisted of radiographs from the outpatient dental clinic of the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The linear measurements, including the width, length and depth of the root trunks under investigation were made using flexible translucent plastic grid while; the angles were measured by rotary German caliper protractor. Result: The mean RTL dimension for molars were 4.31 mm (3–8 mm). The mean MD width of the molars was 10.02 mm and the mean measured IRA was 34.12°. The longest RT was observed in maxillary 1st molar (4.40 mm) while the shortest radiographic RT length was recorded for the mandibular 2nd molars (4.13 mm). Statictically insignificant correlation (p = 0.090) was observed between RTL with the MD width of the tooth, whereas appreciable significance resulted between RTL and IRA (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge about the molar teeth RT length of the study population will aid the dental clinician in better decision making during management of periodontal disease conditions. Keywords: Molar, Root trunk, Furcation, Bitewing radiograph