An in vitro study of root and canal morphology of human deciduous molars in an Iranian population.

Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Deep caries and dental trauma are the two main etiologic factors responsible for pulp involvement. Better knowledge of the morphology of the root canals of deciduous teeth can improve the outcome of pulp treatment. In this study, 90 deciduous molar teeth (27 first mandibular molars, 27 first maxillary molars, 22 second mandibular molars and 14 second maxillary molars) were prepared using the clearing technique, and then dye was injected into the pulp cavity of each tooth. The roots of the teeth were examined under a stereomicroscope at × 10 magnification from different aspects. Measurements of root length and angulation were also recorded, and the data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. Deciduous molar teeth in all four classes showed variability in the number of roots and root canals, and also differed in mean root length and angulation. Type I and IV root canal configurations were observed in the samples, and different types of curvature were recorded for the root canals in all four classes. As deciduous molar teeth exhibit morphologic differences from permanent teeth, a thorough knowledge of the root canals in the former can improve the outcome of pulp treatment.