J Korean Acad Conserv Dent JKACD Journal of Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 1225-0864 2093-8179 The Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 10.5395/JKACD.2005.30.6.461 Original Article Coincidence between radiographs and clearing samples on the root canal systems of single rooted premolars Hwang Ho-Keel Kang Ho-Min Seo Kang Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Korea. Corresponding Author: Ho-Keel Hwang. Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, 375 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Korea, 501-759. Tel: 82-62-220-3846, Fax: 82-62-232-9064, rootcanal@hanmail.net 11 2005 30 11 2005 30 6 461 469 26 06 2005 25 08 2005 01 09 2005 Copyright © 2005 Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 2005

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The aim of this study was to compare the root canal systems of maxillary and mandibular premolars that had a single root using radiographs and clearing samples. 142 single rooted premolars were selected and mesio-distal and bucco-lingual views were radiographed using intra-oral dental standard films. Four equally trained examiners classify the root canal types from the developed radiographs. After opening the tooth for access, it was stored in 5% NaOCl to dissolve the pulp tissue. Indian ink was then injected into the pulp cavity to stain the pulp tissue. It was cleared in methyl salicylate after being decalcified with 5% nitric acid for 48 hours, and the root canal type was evaluated at a magnification of × 20 using a stereomicroscope.

The results are as follows;

There were statistically significant differences between the radiographs and clearing samples of the root canal types among examiners (p < 0.05). There might be differences in the root canal types among examiners when the same radiograph is used. Therefore, considering the difficulty in estimating the root canal types, clinicians need to be careful when interpreting radiographs before root canal therapy.

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A paralleling device.

A double exposed radiograph.

Classification of root canal types on radiographs.

Classification of root canal types on clearing samples.

Root canal types by interpreted radiographs (%)

*: Significantly different at p < 0.05 (χ2 test)

A comparison of root canal types between radiographs and clearing samples

*: Significantly different at p < 0.05 (χ2 test)

Coincidence of root canal types between radiographs and clearing samples (%)

Coincidence according to the root canal types (%)

○: Correct, ×: Incorrect

Coincidence ratio among examiners