SEM analysis of apical anatomy of mandibular premolars

Abstract

Objective: To investigate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, the mean diameter of the main apical foramina of root canals from mandibular premolars; the distance between the main foramen and the anatomic root apex; and to determine the location of the apical foramen. Methods: Forty-five human extracted mandibular premolars were used. Measurements of the apical foramen diameter, and of the distance from anatomic root apex and the foramen were taken under SEM, with proper device. Was recorded the side where output the apical foramen. Data collected were passed to the tables of the Excel program and analyzed through tables, graphs and descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation. Results and conclusions: 56% of the first and 75% of the second mandibular premolars analyzed presented single apical foramen. The mean diameters of the main foramen from first and second mandibular premolars were 332,6 µm and 335,6 µm, respectively. In 24,2% of the cases the apical foramen opening bounded for distal and in 21,2% for mesial. In only 9,1% of the analyzed roots, the main foramen coincided with the apical apex. The mean distance between the foramen and the anatomic root apex was 1,1 mm for the first and 1,0 mm for the second mandibular premolars.