Root morphology analysis of posterior teeth using intraoral periapical radiograph

Abstract

Oral and dental health problems are still a part of ongoing national health issues in Indonesia.
Through endodontic treatment, also called root canal treatment, a decayed tooth can still be preserved and restored
to its original form. It is done if the dental infection has spread into the pulp or the tooth has become nonvital due to
trauma or accident. Root morphology is one of the main concerns before performing endodontic treatment. A
periapical radiograph taken with bisecting and paralleling techniques is the first method in intraoral radiographic
examination to assist dental diagnosis and case management. This research aimed to analyze the mean length of
posterior teeth using an intraoral periapical radiograph and the difference in posterior teeth length in different
vertical angulations. A total of four extracted lower premolars and four extracted lower molars served as samples in
this analysis. They were mounted in an occluder, and a periapical radiograph was obtained using paralleling and
bisecting technique with vertical angulation of -20, -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, +15, and +20. The tooth length was
measured from the crown's highest point to the tooth apex's lowest end. Data obtained was then calculated using
SPSS. The result showed that the mean length of the lower premolar and molar was longer if the vertical angulation
reached +20. Analysis with one-way ANOVA for the difference in the length of premolars, mesial root, and distal
root of lower molars between a direct measurement with digital caliper and measurement on periapical radiographs
taken with paralleling technique and bisecting technique in all vertical angulations showed a p-value of  0,05.
There were no significant differences in the mean length of lower premolars and the mesial and distal root of lower
molars between direct measurement using a digital caliper and measure on periapical radiographs taken with
paralleling technique and bisecting technique in vertical angulations of -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, +15, and +20.
KEYWORDS: Vertical angulation, posterior tooth root morphology, periapical radiograph