• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.335-342
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• 2007

C-shaped canals are known to present a complex canal anatomy with numerous fins connecting individual canals, thus requiring supplementary effort to accomplish a successful root canal treatment. This study examined the frequency of the C-shaped mandibular second molars and interrelation between the clinical records and radiographs to recognize them treated in the Department of Conservative Dentistry of the Chosun University Dental Hospital during a six-year period (1998-2004). This study reviewed the clinical records of 227 patients who underwent root canal treatment of the mandibular second molars. After opening the chamber, those cases with C-shaped orifices in the pulpal floor were selected, ana the C-shaped root canal types were classified according to Melton's criteria. Three experienced dentists evaluated the radiographs of the C-shaped mandibular second molar on a viewer using a magnifying glass in order to determine if the root apex was fused or separated, the distal root canal was either centered or mesial shifted in the distal root, and if there was bilateral symmetry in a panorama. In conclusion, there is a high frequency of C-shaped mandibular second molars in Koreans. Simultaneous interpretation of the root shape and distal root canal using the preoperative, working length and post-treatment radiographs is important for diagnosing a C-shaped mandibular second molar.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.628-633
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• 2005

Deep caries in primary molars without early intervention frequently induce a pulpal disease and consequent furcation lesion with fistulous openings Up to now, majority of the textbooks on pediatric dentistry and literatures have described that extraction of the inflicted teeth is indicated for these cases and in reality these teeth have usually been extracted in the dental clinics. However when we recognize the excellent capacity of bone regeneration in children and the presence of numerous accessory canals at furcation areas, the removal of infection source in pulp by pulpectomy and inflammatory granulation tissues at furcation areas by furcal curettage might open the possibility of rapid healing at the furcation regions. In this report, 10 cases of primary molars in 3 to 6-year-old children with fistulous openings and furcation lesions in moderate size of 2 to 4mm in depth radiolucency at furcation lesion have been chosen. After pulpectomy and furcal curettage, evident bone regeneration was detected radiographically in all cases. Through the cases, we came to realize that all the cases previously described are not the indications of extraction and this approach could make many cases with pulp and furca combined lesions survive and remain healthy in the children's dental arches. However, in order for this approach to acquire objective appropriateness, it is thought that more scrupulous evaluation is desirable on the various factors regarding the indication such as the extent of furcation lesions, absorption status of teeth, amount of covering bone on succeeding teeth and so on.