Comparative Analysis of Root Canal Curvature Measurement Methods for Permanent Mandibular Molars Distal Root: An Observational Study.

Abstract

Background: This study's objective was to measure the root canal curvature of the mandibular molars distal root using three distinct methods based on periapical radiography evaluation.

Materials and methods: Teeth from the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) department that were extracted due to a poor prognosis because of dental caries and severe periodontal disease were collected. Six hundred human mandibular molars were used in this study. Curvature angles of the distal root were measured using three different methods, Schneider's, Weine, and long (LA) axis techniques, in the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions using periapical x-ray, and the results were digitalized on a computer and statistically compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that the curvature angle values calculated with each method differed significantly (p < 0.001).

Results: Comparison of curvature angle values in MD dimensions by using Schneider's technique were 15.24° (±13.07), in Weine's technique were 21.15° (± 20.05), and in the LA axis technique were 27.76° (±27.76). Mean curvature angle values using BL dimensions in Schneider's technique were 11.01° (±6.66), in Weine's technique were 16.24° (±10.81), and in the LA axis technique were 14.40° (±11.71). Significant differences were found in mean curvature angle values using MD and BL measurements across techniques.

Conclusion: Long axis technique recorded the highest mean curvature angle in MD dimensions, followed by Weine's and Schneider's. The highest mean curvature angle values using the BL dimension were recorded by Weine's technique. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Clinical significance: The knowledge of root canal curvature is crucial regarding the prevention of ledge formation, root perforation, and the possibility of endodontic instruments fracture during endodontic treatments. Failing to realize the curvature of the canal before treatment can leave the canal unprepared and compromise the outcome of the treatment. Therefore, a quantification method of the root canal curvature, as well as the applicability of these methods, is necessary. How to cite this article: Singh T, Bathla S, Gurtu A, et al. Comparative Analysis of Root Canal Curvature Measurement Methods for Permanent Mandibular Molars Distal Root: An Observational Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(10):945-949.