The prevalence of furcation foramina in primary molars

Author(s): D. Ringelstein, et al.
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume (number): 11:1
Month, Year: September 1989
Major topic: Determine the prevalence and location of accessory canals in the furcation region of extracted primary molars
Overview of method of research:
75 extracted primary maxillary and mandibular first and second molars were collected; all teeth did not demonstrate more then 1/3 apical root resorption
After occlusal endodontic access and pulp removal teeth were placed into a vacuum; safranin dye was placed into the pulp chamber
Vacuum pressure applied to external root surfaces for 5 min and furcation of each tooth was observed carefully for appearance of red stain
Findings:
Prevelance of Foramina in Furcation Region
Furcation – immediate region where roots separate; Furcation Region – furcation + area 4mm down internal aspect of each root surface
42.7% of teeth showed prevalence of foramina in furcation region (see Table 1 for details)
Location of Foramina
No significant differences in location of foramina in max. and mand. first primary molars
Greater percentages of foramina located in furcation regions vs. actual furcation in max. and mand. second molar, 75 vs. 25%-max and 83.4 vs. 16.6%-mand.
Differences in commonly involved roots showing foramina in furcation region were not statistically significant (see Table 3 for details)
Key points/Summary :
Accessory canals on root surfaces are caused by persistence of abnormally placed blood vessels that leave gaps in Hertwig’s sheath
42.7% of teeth studied showed presence of accessory canals in furcation regions; although not all canals are patent in a healthy state due to connective tissue seals, they do represent potential channels which may open during pathological changes in the pulp
Puplal infection can spread easily via these canals
Excess medicament solutions may contact alveolar bone via these canals resulting in subsequent inflammation and osteitis
Periodontal abcesses resulting from poor fitting SSC, orthodontic bands, and impacted foreign bodies may also be able to reach the pulp
High prevalence of accessory canals in the furcation regions suggests that pulpal communication between interradicular bone and periodontal tissues is very likely to occur
Assessment of article: Great study