Apical morphology of premolars with a single canal: scanning electron microscopy study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy, the apical region of premolars with a single canal, in relation to the number of apical foraminas. 95 premolars were radiographed to confirm the presence of one canal in the root. Then, apical region of these teeth was evaluated by SEM, in relation to the number of apical foraminas. It was observed that 64.21% had 1 apical foramina; 22.11% had 2 foraminas; 7.37% had 3 foraminas; 3.16% had 4 foraminas 1.05% had 5 foraminas and 2.10% had 6 foraminas. The present study showed that premolars with a single canal exhibit a complex apical anatomy and this fact should be considered during the preparation and filling of root canals.