From 2011-2016, images and videos of "The Root Canal Anatomy Project" were developed at the Laboratory of Endodontics of Ribeirao Preto Dental School. From 2016, images were acquired in other educational institutions. They can be freely used for attributed noncommercial educational purposes by educators, scholars, student and clinicians. It means that all material used should include proper attribution and citation (http://rootcanalanatomy.blogspot.com). In such cases, this information should be linked to the image in a manner compatible with such instructional objectives. Unfortunately, because material shared on the RCAP has not been properly cited by several users, from November 2019 a watermark was added to the images and videos. Enjoy!

March 22, 2014

Maxillary First Molar: MB2




Roots Summit 2014


Greetings from the organizing committee of XI ROOTS SUMMIT 2014

'Roots Summit 2014' is an internationally acclaimed endodontic conference, attended by dentists from all around the world. 'Roots', an online endodontic forum that's shared and spread the knowledge and clinical expertise of many stalwarts in the field of Endodontics over more than a decade, conducts Summits once every two years. 
From Canada to US to Europe (2006 & 2010) and then to South America in 2012, Roots Summit has now crossed continents to be held, for the first time, in Asia; in Mahabalipuram near Chennai, India
We cordially invite all dentists; endodontists, general dentists, specialist dentist( any branch), graduate and post graduate students to participate in this mega event. 
For further details please click on the link: http://www.rootssummit2014.com/

With warm regards,
Dr. S. Mahalaxmi, MDS.
Organizing Chairperson,
Roots Summit 2014

Watch the movie and come to India

March 20, 2014

Publication IEJ



Abstract

Aim: To assess the percentage volume of filling materials and voids in oval-shaped canals filled with either cold lateral condensation or warm compaction techniques, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). 

Methodology: Twenty-four single-rooted maxillary premolar teeth with oval-shaped canals were selected, the root canals prepared, and assigned to 2 groups (n=12), according to the filling technique: cold lateral compaction (CLC) or warm vertical compaction (WVC). Each specimen was scanned using a micro-CT device at an isotropic resolution of 12.5 μm. Percentage volume of root filling materials and voids were calculated, and data were statistically analyzed using Student t-test and Friedman's test, with a significance level of 5%. 

Results: Overall, mean percentage volume of gutta-percha, sealer and voids were 82.33 ± 3.14, 13.42 ± 2.91, and 4.26 ± 0.74, respectively, in the CLC group, and 91.73 ± 4.48, 7.70 ± 4.44, and 0.57 ± 0.44, respectively, in WVC group, with statistical significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). At the apical level, differences in the percentage volume of filling materials and voids between groups were not significant (p > 0.05). No root fillings were void-free. 

Conclusions: Warm vertical compaction produced a significantly greater volume of gutta-percha and a significantly lower percentage of voids than those achieved with cold lateral compaction. Distribution of sealer and voids within the root canal space after root filling procedure was unpredictable, irrespective of the root filling method.



March 9, 2014

The Root Canal Anatomy Project: Three Years Online

Begun formally in 2011, The Root Canal Anatomy Project completed 3 years online on 5th of March. This blog was developed in the Laboratory of Endodontics of Ribeirao Preto Dental School - University of Sao Paulo - with noncommercial and educational purposes. During this period, the blog was visited by people from 172 different countries with more than 370,000 page views. The videos were watched more that 100,000 times and the material was downloaded more than 10,000 times. Considering that root canal anatomy is a very specific subject in the endodontic field, we believe that the blog is achieving its goals. Thank you for your support and stay tuned for updates.





Maxillary First Molar: MB2




March 6, 2014

Mandibular First Molar (with Isthmuses)




Mandibular First Molar (Vertucci Type IV)





Publication Eur Arch Paediatr Dent

Abstract
Aim 
This was to investigate the root canal morphology of primary molar teeth using micro-computed tomography.

Methods 
Primary maxillary (n=20) and mandibular (n=20) molars were scanned and analysed regarding the number, location, volume, area, structured model index (SMI), area, roundness, diameters, and length of canals, as well as the thickness of dentine in the apical third. Data were statistically compared by using paired-samplet test, independent sample t test, and one-way analysis of variance with significance level set as 5 %. 

Results 
Overall, no statistical differences were found between the canals with respect to length, SMI, dentine thickness, area, roundness, and diameter (p<0.05). A double canal system was observed in the mesial and mesio-buccal roots of the mandibular and maxillary molars, respectively. The thickness in the internal aspect of the roots was lower than in the external aspect. Cross-sectional evaluation of the roots in the apical third showed flat-shaped canals in the mandibular molars and ribbon- and oval-shaped canals in the maxillary molars. Conclusions External and internal anatomy of the pri-mary first molars closely resemble the primary second molars. The reported data may help clinicians to obtain a
thorough understanding of the morphological variations of root canals in primary molars to overcome problems rela-ted to shaping and cleaning procedures, allowing appro-priate management strategies for root canal treatment.

Conclusions 
External and internal anatomy of the pri-mary first molars closely resemble the primary second molars. The reported data may help clinicians to obtain a thorough understanding of the morphological variations of root canals in primary molars to overcome problems related to shaping and cleaning procedures, allowing appropriate management strategies for root canal treatment.