Association between dentin thickness and presence of accessory foramina in human permanent mandibular molars

Abstract

The roots and periodontal system in human dentition are closely correlated from the early stages of dental formation, maintaining this connection after teeth are established in the oral cavity through the apical foramen or other communications. Aim: Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the presence of foramina on the pulp chamber floor surface and in the furcation region and the thickness of dentin in this area. Methods: Forty sound permanent mandibular molars were submitted to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the presence of foramina on the pulp chamber floor and in the furcation region, and to correlate the presence of foramina with the variation in wall thickness in these regions. Results: The results showed a mean thickness of 2.16 mm for the teeth analyzed and a 25% frequency of foramina on the pulp chamber floor and 92.5% in furcation area, with only 22.5% showing foramina on both sides. The foramina found on both surfaces showed varied diameters and shapes and locations dispersed throughout the area. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the mean thicknesses of teeth featuring foramina and those without foramina.