Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of Dental Root Resorption Associated With Granuloma

Abstract

The inflammatory resorption of dental root apex (i.e., the process of removal of cementum and/or dentine through the activity of resorbing cells) may show different configurations and damage the apical root structure. As knowing the morphology of resorption areas of human teeth is essential for the success of endodontic treatments, we investigated the apical resorption by scanning electron microscopy, focusing on roots with granulomas. A total of 30 teeth (with penetrating carious lesions and chronic periapical lesions) were examined, the apical third of the roots were removed and analyzed to estimate periforaminal and foraminal resorption, shape and morphology of foramen resorption, centering of the periforaminal resorption area, and diameters of each apical foramen. Periforaminal resorption was present in all samples, whereas foraminal resorption was present in 92% of cases (mainly funnel shaped). Lacunae were observed in the foraminal resorption area with an average diameter of 35±14 μm. The major and minor diameters of the foramina in teeth with resorption were 443 and 313 μm, respectively (higher than in healthy teeth). This result indicates an expansion of the apical diameters caused by the pathology, which could encourage a different clinical instrumentation for these teeth.

Root Canal Configuration and Its Relationship with Endodontic Technical Errors and Periapical Status in Premolar Teeth of a Saudi Sub-Population: A Cross-Sectional Observational CBCT Study

“…Another factor lacking in this study is the histological component that can establish an association between treatment errors and periapical pathoses. Unrestorable teeth can be evaluated after extraction using scanning electron microscopy to better understand this association [48]. Although adequate, the sample size for this study was limited and further research involving a larger sample will be beneficial.…”

Diagnostic Accuracy of Pulp Vitality Tests and Pulp Sensibility Tests for Assessing Pulpal Health in Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…When there is a complete absence of response to a stimulation, pulp necrosis is likely to have advanced. It should also be highlighted that the subjective nature of pain, individual variability in pain threshold and pain modulation processes make it difficult to obtain an exact history of clinical symptoms [ 1 , 3 ].…”

A critical analysis of laboratory and clinical research methods to study root and canal anatomy

“…Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a non‐invasive method that has been used for examining the root apex anatomy (major and accessory apical foramina—number, diameter, deviations from the long axis of the root and distances between foramina), accessory canals originating from either the pulp chamber floor or root canal and their opening into the root furcation or lateral root surface, respectively (Dammaschke et al, 2004; Gutierrez & Aguayo, 1995; Morfis et al, 1994) (Figure 11), in addition to accessory canals opening in deep developmental grooves such as palatogingival grooves (Gao et al, 1989). Apart from that, it has been used for examining the morphological changes in the apical foramen with resorption defects (Chieruzzi et al, 2015) and after root canal instrumentation procedures (Vieira et al, 2020).…”