Apical root canal anatomy of human maxillary central incisors.

I t is imperative that dentists engaged in endodontic therapy be aware of the anatomic variations that exist within the root canal system if they are to achieve satisfactory results in treatmcnt.1e4 Numerous investigations have shown anatomic variations within the root canal system. Studies utilizing injection of material into the root canal system, dye perfusions with subsequent demineralization, and histologic sectioning, examination of ground sections, and stereomicroscopic examinations have been reported.“-” In 3917 Hess5 published his findings on 3,000 teeth; he found that 25 per cent of the maxillary central incisors studied had accessory root canals. Later, in 1955, he revised his data. to state that between 25 and 43 per cent of all human anterior teeth possess apical accessory root canals.ll Kuttler12 recorded measurements of root canal diameters and thickness of dentine and cementum at various locations. He reported cemental circumscription of the pulpal elements averaging 271 microns coronallv from t,he apex, The stereomicroscopic studies of Green . i, 13. I’ and Ainama and Lee,]’ and the anatomic features reported by Langeland and Tlangelandl”. I’ have stimulated the present study. The purpose of this investigation was to study the bioanatomic features of the apical 2.5 mm, of human maxillary ccntra,l incisors.