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Age-dependent patterns of root canal curvature in mandibular first molars
Özge Başar1, Burcu Pirimoğlu2, Ali Keleş3, Cangül Keskin41Turkuaz Dental Clinic, Izmir, Türkiye2Ondokuz Mayıs University, Graduate School of Educational Sciences, Samsun, Türkiye
3Department of Endodontics, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Dentistry, Bolu, Türkiye
4Department of Endodontics, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Dentistry, Samsun, Türkiye
Purpose: This laboratory study aimed to evaluate age-related differences in root canal curvature of human mandibular first molars using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).
Methods: Mesial roots of extracted human mandibular first molars (n=93) were collected and classified into three age groups: ≤30 Years, 31−59 years, and ≥60 years. The root canal curvature was evaluated in both the mesiodistal and buccolingual planes using micro-CT reconstructions analyzed in AutoCAD according to Pruett’s method.
Results: Curvature values were consistently greater in the buccolingual than in the mesiodistal plane across all age groups. Mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals exhibited similar patterns, and no significant differences were observed among the age groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Mandibular first molars exhibited consistent canal curvature across age groups. Although age did not significantly affect this parameter, careful preparation and appropriate instrument selection remain essential for mesial canals in all patients.
Keywords: Aging, curvature, mandibular molar, micro-CT; root canal.
Manuscript Language: English
