Morphologic analysis of the root apex in human teeth.

INTRODUCTION To determine the morphologic shape and position of the root apex and the major foramen in maxillary and mandibular teeth. METHODS A total of 845 maxillary and mandibular human teeth root specimens were evaluated. Each root specimen was measured at each root apex by using a calibrated microscope at a magnification of 20x. The anatomic parameters evaluated included the position of the root apex and the major foramen (in the center, buccal, lingual, mesial, or distal) and shapes of peripheral contours of the major foramen (rounded, oval, asymmetric, and semilunar) and root apex (rounded, flat, beveled, and elliptical). All data were summarized, and means, frequencies, and percentages were calculated for each group of specimens (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars). RESULTS The most frequent root apex morphology in maxillary and mandibular teeth was the round shape (35.1%). The most frequent shape of the apical foramen was round (52.9%) or oval (25.2%). The major location of both the root apex (39.7%) and the major foramen (58.4%) was in the center of the root. CONCLUSION The most frequent root apex morphology and apical foramen in the maxillary and mandibular teeth was the round followed by the oval shape. The most prevalent location of the root apex and the major foramen was in the center followed by the distal position.