Three-dimensional morphometric analysis of maxillary and mandibular molars and bilateral correlation in North Indian population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the anatomical landmarks of maxillary and mandibular molar pulp chambers and evaluate bilateral symmetry between contralateral molars using CBCT.CBCT scans of 200 molars from 157 patients were selected for the study. A total of nine measurements - A (Distance from the cusp tip to the roof of the pulp chamber) B (Distance from the cusp tip to the floor of the pulp chamber) C (Distance from the cusp tip to the furcation) D (Distance from the floor of the pulp chamber to the furcation) E (Distance from the roof of the pulp chamber to the furcation) F (Height of pulp chamber) A1(Distance from the central fossa to the roof of the pulp chamber) B1 (Distance from central fossa till the floor of pulp chamber) C1 (Distance from central fossa to furcation) were done. Statistical analysis was done using the ANOVA and Post hoc tests and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Significant differences in maxillary and mandibular molars were noted in the measurements of- D, E, B and C1. Bilateral symmetry was also observed between the pairs of maxillary and mandibular molars.Maxillary first and second molars do not differ much from each other. However, mandibular first and second molars differed in various anatomic parameters from each other. Contralateral molars (maxillary and mandibular) pulp cavities, in general, exhibit matching symmetry in terms of their morphological and anatomical landmarks.