Características anatómicas del foramen apical mayor de primeros molares maxilares en una subpoblación peruana: Un estudio ex vivo

Abstract

Introduction: The analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the major apical foramen (FAM) is essential for the clinical interpretation of working length. This study evaluated the anatomical features of the FAM in maxillary first molars using optical microscopy and histology.

Methodology: The sample consisted of 32 extracted maxillary first molars from patients in Ica, Peru. A stereomicroscope was utilized to analyze the location (central, mesial, distal, vestibular, and palatal), shape (round, oval, and amorphous), and distance of the FAM from the anatomical apex. Quantitative data were summarized using measures of central tendency (mean/median) and dispersion (standard deviation/interquartile range). Chi-square tests were applied to compare the proportions of FAM locations and shapes according to root type, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the medians of the distance to the anatomical apex.

Results: The most frequent location of the FAM was distal for the mesio-buccal root (34.4%), vestibular  for the disto-buccal root (37.5%), and distal for the palatal root (31.3%). The most common shapes observed were round and oval for the mesio-buccal root (34.4%), and round for the disto-buccal (56.3%) and palatal (43.8%) roots. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the location, shape, or distance of the FAM from the anatomical apex in relation to root type (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Although variations in the characteristics of the FAM were observed, no significant differences were found, suggesting homogeneity of these characteristics within the studied sample.