Assessment Of The Danger Zone Of Maxillary First Molar In An Indian Subpopulation: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation

Abstract

Background:

Maxillary first molars have complex anatomy and strip perforation is most commonly seen due to extensive preparation of the internal dentinal wall, and therefore the most frequently fractured or extracted  tooth. The aim of the study is to measure the dentin thickness of the mesial and distal walls of the cervical third in the maxillary first molars corresponding to danger zones respectively, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

CBCT images of 577 maxillary first molars were analyzed in the Indian population. Measurements of dentin wall thickness were analyzed in the distal wall (danger zone) in the mesiobuccal canal of permanent maxillary first molars. The danger zone was assessed from furcal at every millimeter in the apical direction at five different levels using CS imaging software. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

The average dentin thickness of the danger zone was higher at the furcation level with 1.27mm and lowest at the 5mm level with a thickness of 0.96mm. The results were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Within the limitation of the study, it may be concluded that the dentin thickness was higher at the furcal level and started decreasing gradually apical direction at 5 different levels.