IADR Abstract Archives
Sex Difference in the Numbers of Lateral Canals in Molars
Objectives: It is stated in the literature that the existence of bacteria within the root canal system is a leading cause of failure following endodontic treatment. There are a minimal number of studies that have evaluated the existence of lateral canals and the impact these untreated canals could have on the prognosis of treatment. Furthermore, there are limited studies that evaluate if there is a difference in the number of lateral canals between sexes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the existence of lateral canals in molars between sexes in extracted teeth.
Methods: Over a two-week period, extracted teeth were collected and separated by sex in 1:10 clorox solution. 18 teeth (8 molars and 8 premolars) were collected from females. 22 teeth (9 molars and 5 incisors) were collected from males. 24 teeth were not included because of restorations, broken roots, or were not molars. The teeth were accessed and iodine dye was placed into each canal system. The individual roots were then sectioned and the lateral canals identified.
Results: Teeth included in this study were as follows: (a) Female; 1 mandibular molar, 3 third molars, and 4 maxillary molars. The number of lateral canals identified was 1, 0, and 0, respectively. (b) Male; 1 mandibular molar, 3 third molars, and 5 maxillary molars. The number of lateral canals identified was 0, 3, and 7, respectively.
Conclusions: According to these results, there is a difference in the number of lateral canals in molars between sexes. This difference may explain, at least in part, distinct failure rates by sex of endodontic treatment in molars that have been reported.
Methods: Over a two-week period, extracted teeth were collected and separated by sex in 1:10 clorox solution. 18 teeth (8 molars and 8 premolars) were collected from females. 22 teeth (9 molars and 5 incisors) were collected from males. 24 teeth were not included because of restorations, broken roots, or were not molars. The teeth were accessed and iodine dye was placed into each canal system. The individual roots were then sectioned and the lateral canals identified.
Results: Teeth included in this study were as follows: (a) Female; 1 mandibular molar, 3 third molars, and 4 maxillary molars. The number of lateral canals identified was 1, 0, and 0, respectively. (b) Male; 1 mandibular molar, 3 third molars, and 5 maxillary molars. The number of lateral canals identified was 0, 3, and 7, respectively.
Conclusions: According to these results, there is a difference in the number of lateral canals in molars between sexes. This difference may explain, at least in part, distinct failure rates by sex of endodontic treatment in molars that have been reported.