Dentistry: how many canals in a tooth and their treatment. How many canals are there in the upper and lower teeth?

What do you know about your teeth? Most answers will be limited to what is on the “surface”: a description of the state of their health, the characteristics of the shade of the enamel and its sensitivity. But even a dentist with extensive experience cannot tell you about the “inner world” of your teeth without diagnostic procedures with 100% accuracy. Many people find out how many roots their teeth have only when they are removed. It’s the same with canals: the fact that there are canals in the roots, how they are located and how many there are, most often becomes known only during the treatment process. We will tell you a lot of interesting things about the roots and canals of teeth.

How is a tooth structured?

A tooth consists of a crown, root and neck.

If you don’t delve into the question, the structure of teeth seems quite simple: above the gum there is a crown covered with enamel, and under the gum there are roots. Each tooth has a certain number of “roots”. This depends on the degree of load on him: the greater it is, the more powerful his holding system will be. Obviously, chewing molars will have more roots and tooth canals than representatives of the biting group.

Let's go a little deeper: the “root” itself is covered with cement, and underneath there is dentin. The hole in which the root is located is called the alveolus. Between them there is a small space with connective tissue -. Here are located nerve fibers And blood vessels, nourishing dental tissues.

Every tooth has a cavity inside it. In it, under a reliable “shell”, there is a pulp - a bundle of nerves and vessels that provide nutrition to bone formations. The pulp is sometimes called the heart of the tooth - if it has to be removed, it becomes dead. The cavity narrows towards the roots - this is the dental canal. It stretches from the top of the “spine” to its base. At the top of the tooth root there is a hole through which nerves and vessels pass, connecting the pulp with the rest of the tissues of the jaw.

Number of roots in each tooth

Let's find out how many roots teeth have. If you draw a vertical line in the middle of the jaw, dividing it into the right and left parts, then the first from the line in both directions will be 2 incisors, then the canines, then 2 small molars and 2 large molars, and the very last - “wise” » eights.

Important: the shape of the canals may be irregular, they are narrow and ornate, they are characterized by branching and the formation of pockets. That is why bacteria feel at ease when they get into them, and the filling process causes many difficulties.

Now you know the structural features of teeth and can fully imagine the procedure for removing them, because its complexity directly depends on the number and nature of root growth. Or if you are suddenly asked how many roots the 6th tooth has from below, even such an unexpected question will not confuse you.

Tooth canals are narrow cavities located inside the roots of teeth. Their number depends on the number of roots, but is not always equal to it.

Features of the structure of teeth, their roots and canals

There are no two identical root dental systems, which is explained by the purely individual structure of a person’s teeth. In addition, the root system of incisors, canines and molars is arranged in accordance with their purpose:

  • Ones and twos (incisors) are needed for biting food.
  • Fours and fives (premolars) perform the initial chewing function.
  • Sixes and sevens completely grind food.

Based on this, it becomes clear that the seventh tooth requires more nutrients than the fifth. It must be strong and hardy, therefore it has a more developed channel system. Despite the fact that the 6th tooth is lower jaw performs the same functions as the seventh, usually it has a smaller number of channel passages. This is due to the fact that there is less chewing load on it.

For detailed study X-ray examination is used to determine the structure of the dentofacial apparatus of a particular patient.

Each dental unit consists of:

  • crowns - the area above the gum;
  • neck - the area between the crown and the root;
  • root - the area under the gum.

Inside the crown is the pulp, which passes into the root canals. At the end of the root there is a small apical opening through which blood vessels and nerve endings pass, starting from the main neurovascular bundle and ending in the pulp.

When a person’s pulp becomes inflamed, not only it, but also all root canals need to be cleaned of infected tissues, since they are “communicating vessels.” If even one canal is left uncleaned, pathogenic microorganisms will continue to develop inside the dental unit, which will lead to its removal. That is why the doctor must know the exact number of canals in the tooth.

How many nerves are there in a human tooth?

Thanks to the nerve, the tooth can respond to external stimuli. After removing the pulp and filling the canals, the dental unit loses sensitivity, as it is deprived of a nerve. But due to the removal of blood vessels, problems begin with its blood supply and mineralization. The crown becomes less durable and more prone to various chips and breaks. The enamel quickly darkens, and it cannot be properly bleached even with strong chemicals.

Before removing the pulp, the patient is sent for an x-ray to find out how many canals are in the operated tooth: There is only one dental nerve in a person’s tooth, but there may be several canals. This preparation allows for depulpation to be carried out competently and quickly.

Types of Root Canals

There are several options for the structure of dental canals:

  • in the root there is one canal passage, which corresponds to one apical foramen;
  • in the root there are several canal branches that connect in the area of ​​a single apical foramen;
  • two different branched passages have one mouth and two apical openings;
  • canal cavities in one root merge and diverge several times;
  • three root canal passages emerge from the same orifice, but have 3 different apical openings.

There can be as many channels as there are roots, but often their number differs. Several types of canals may be present in one molar and premolar.

How many canals in a person’s teeth - table

According to statistics, the number of channels depends on the depth of the tooth: The deeper it is located in the jaw, the more canals it has. This is due to the increased load on the molars located at the base of the dentition.

Usually teeth upper jaw have more channels. But this pattern is not observed in all patients.

The table below presents average statistical data on how many canals are in a person’s teeth above and below.

Dental unit Number of channel passages
Fangs Upper 1
Lower 2
Incisors Upper 1
Lower Central in most cases 1, less often 2
Lateral 1 or 2 (about the same probability)
Premolars Upper First most often 2, but sometimes first premolars with 1 or 3 canals are found
Second in most cases 2, sometimes 1 or 3
Lower First 1 or 2
Second 1
Molars Upper First 3 or 4 with equal probability
Second in most cases 3, sometimes 4
Third around 5
Lower First most often 3, sometimes 2 or 4
Second usually 3, but there are roots with 4 channels
Third no more than 3

Number of canals in teeth in the lower jaw

The teeth on the lower and upper jaws are significantly different from each other. This is partly due to the uneven load and different functions. Typically, teeth in the lower jaw have fewer canals. But each specific case requires detailed study. Therefore, the dentist first sends the patient for an x-ray, and only then proceeds to open the crown and treat pulpitis.

It is impossible to start treating caries and pulpitis based only on encyclopedic information, because:

  • The 6th tooth of the lower jaw can have any number of canals - from 2 to 4;
  • in the 5th tooth below there is usually only 1 canal, but in approximately 10% of patients there are quints with 2 canals;
  • In the 4th tooth there is usually only 1 canal, but in about a third of cases there are 2.

The eighth tooth on the lower jaw is the most “unpredictable”. Exactly how many canals are in the wisdom tooth located below can only be determined using x-rays. Officially, there are no more than 3 of them, but during the treatment of caries, additional cavities usually open. It is precisely because of its incomprehensible structure and inconvenient location that the figure eight is most often removed.

It is impossible to treat a dental unit without studying the structure of its root and canal system. This can only aggravate the pathology and lead to complications.

Number of canals in teeth in the upper jaw

The root system of the teeth of the upper jaw is more complex and branched. This explains more long-term treatment molars located above, and the frequency of repeated visits due to incompletely sanitized dental cavities.

Features in the structure of the canal system of teeth in the upper jaw:

  • The 6th tooth of the upper jaw is most often three-channel. But sometimes there are also four-channel first molars.
  • The fourth and fifth teeth from above are most often two-canal, but sometimes single-canal and three-canal premolars are found.
  • The 4th upper tooth usually has 2 canals, but sometimes there are premolars with 1 or 3 canals.
The “wise” eight on the upper jaw is a four-channel tooth. Third molars with 5 canals are extremely rare. However, in dentistry, even cases of the presence of eight-channel wisdom teeth located at the top have been recorded.

Channels in baby teeth

There are as many nerves in baby teeth as there are in molars—one. In addition, temporary units are similar to permanent ones in the structure of the root system. That is, like this baby tooth, like the upper six or second molar, has a canal system similar to its molar brother, the second premolar.

Nerve endings perform standard functions:

  • signal about developing caries;
  • responsible for the growth and development of teeth;
  • control the flow of water and nutrients to dentin and enamel.

The root canals of baby teeth are also treated and filled, but the tactics of their treatment depend on how long ago they erupted. Under the temporary units, permanent ones are formed, so treatment should be aimed at preserving them. Milk teeth can only be removed if the permanent teeth are ready to emerge.

The roots of permanent incisors, canines and molars do not form immediately, but over the course of about 3 years. Treatment of permanent teeth with unformed roots also differs from the standard one. The canals in the teeth of patients four, five, six years old (depending on the rate of formation of the dentoalveolar apparatus) are filled with a special paste with calcium and fluoride, which helps close the roots.

What diseases cause inflammation of dental canals?

Root canals can become inflamed due to the development of the following diseases:

  • caries;
  • pulpitis;
  • periodontitis.

An accurate diagnosis of inflammation of the pulp and canals of the tooth can only be determined by a dentist after X-ray diagnostics and a visual examination of the oral cavity.

Root canal treatment

The treatment plan for dental canals consists of several stages:

  1. First, access to the problem area is freed: using a special dental instrument, the filling or the area of ​​the crown damaged by caries is removed.
  2. Then the contents of the pulp are removed, and the canals are cleaned mechanically using antiseptic drugs.
  3. After this, the root is prepared for filling. At this stage, the dentist can form the correct conical shape of the canal passage.
  4. Then the canals are carefully sealed. If baby teeth are treated, the dentist uses a special filling paste, which gradually dissolves as the root dissolves.
  5. After this, a filling is placed on the crown.

This treatment regimen is standard and does not depend on exactly how many canals there are in the diseased tooth. The main thing is that all dental canals are cleaned, treated with an antiseptic and carefully closed. If treated incorrectly, it may be necessary to remove the tooth and visit an oral surgeon.

Teeth can be single-channel, two-channel, three-channel and even eight-channel. If one of the ducts becomes inflamed, it is necessary to clean and seal not only it, but also all other canals, since the infection could penetrate into them.

Teeth, regardless of location, name, purpose, have the same structure: they consist of a crown, neck and root. There are canals inside the roots, which the doctor fills in case of pulpitis or periodontitis. Read the article: how many canals are in teeth - location table and useful information.

How many roots do teeth have? The answer to this question depends on several factors - the position of the unit, the person’s age, heredity, even race. It is known that Mongoloids have more roots than Caucasians.

The standard quantity is as follows:

  • Incisors, canines – 1.
  • Premolars – 1-3.
  • Upper molars – 3-4.
  • Lower molars – 2.
  • Third molars – 3-5.

Inside the crown is the pulp, a tissue consisting of blood vessels and nerve endings. They pass into the pulp through the apical foramen, located at the apex of the root, and through canals, narrow cavities inside the root. Their number is not always equal to the number of roots.

The photo shows the beginning of the root canals.

How many canals are there in a tooth?

The configurations of cavities in the roots vary. There are several varieties of them. A dental root may have two apical foramina, branches inside converging to one foramen, or two internal cavities running parallel. The percentage of possible combinations is shown in the table.

When treating pulpitis, the root canals are cleaned and filled.

Knowing the structure and location of the canals is important for the treatment of pulpitis. When the pulp is inflamed, the root cavities must be cleaned, so before starting treatment, the doctor must have a clear idea of ​​how many there are and what they look like. This information can only be obtained using an x-ray.

The structural features of the canals cause treatment difficulties. A number of problems often arise:

  • the cavity is impassable for instruments (curved, branched);
  • microorganisms that are particularly resistant to the action of standard antiseptics accumulate in the intraroot spaces;
  • bacteria tend to re-enter through the dentinal tubules;

To overcome these problems, dentists use modern equipment and materials - endodontic motors designed for mechanical processing, fillings with strong antiseptics.

Root canal treatment

Filling cavities inside the root is one of the main conditions successful treatment pulpitis and periodontitis. The stages of a doctor’s work are as follows:

  1. Determination of length. The doctor removes the pulp and, using special, thin instruments, measures the length. IN good clinics the process takes place under the control of an apex locator - a device whose display shows the moment the instrument reaches the root apex.
  2. Treatment for expansion, preparation for filling. The procedure is done manually or using an endodontic handpiece.
  3. Medical treatment using disinfectants administered through a thin needle.
  4. Filling with gutta-percha material. The pin is selected according to the size of the expanded space, it is filled with paste, the pin is installed and secured.
  5. X-ray quality control.
  6. Removal of excess, installation of temporary filling.

    Tools for processing channels.

Standards for the provision of dental care do not allow simultaneous filling of canals and dental cavities. The crown should be restored at the next visit.


Read also: “Features of the structure of milk teeth”

Treatment is not an easy task. It often leads to complications:

    • Trauma in the area of ​​the apex of the tooth root: damage to the walls with instruments, inaccurate removal of the pulp, penetration of antiseptics into the tissues surrounding the apex.
    • Poor fillings: Fillings do not reach the end of cavities, allowing bacteria to continue to grow in those areas. This is evidenced by pain and swelling of the gums.
    • The filling material penetrates beyond the apex.
    • Root perforation, which occurs due to a doctor’s error or with curved canals that are difficult to treat.

Most often, the method of correcting errors is re-sealing, which involves re-opening the cavities. To avoid this, you need to carefully choose the clinic and doctor who will treat pulpitis. The best option– prevent the development of the disease by observing hygiene rules and visiting a doctor for preventive purposes.

Sources:

  1. Cohen S., Burns R. Endodontics. E-book, 8th edition, 2007.
  2. Borovsky E.V. Therapeutic dentistry. Moscow, 2003.

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Anatomy

Features of the structure of teeth

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Anatomy

Structure and functions of the oral cavity

Despite their different shapes, human teeth are structured the same. Each has a neck, crown and root, hidden in the alveolus - a special depression in the jaw. Each root is connected to the jaw by connective tissue; its space is filled with nerve fibers, blood vessels, and collagen. The number and placement of root canals largely determines correct treatment and restoration of each dental unit.

Tooth root: structure, length, purpose


The root of each tooth is located in its own alveolar cavity, hidden by the gum. It (like a tooth) consists of dentin, covered on the outside with cement - bone tissue that comes into contact with the enamel next to the dental neck. The entire structure, together with the connective fibers, forms a shell between the alveolus and cement (periodontium).

Depending on the location, the root can be single or branched. Normally, the maximum number of root cavities is 4. Their length depends on the size of the tooth; it necessarily reaches the bundle of vessels and nerves of the alveoli, from where the unit receives nutrients. It is determined using an apexlorator probe, which is immersed in the hole until it jams.

The main function of the root is to secure the tooth in the gum, for which a strong ligamentous apparatus is provided. Its channels provide access to the nerves, arteries and veins to the coronal part. Thanks to this, the tooth receives nutrition, develops, and is sensitive to external influence. Due to innervation, the tooth is a full-fledged organ located in the oral cavity.

Why do we need a channel in the first place?

A canal is an anatomical space within a tooth root. They act as a continuation of the pulp chambers, each of which represents a single tooth cavity and duplicates the contours of dental crowns in shape. Healthy canals contain nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for metabolism. Each canal begins as an orifice at the neck of the tooth and ends with an apical foramen at a distance from the central apex of the root.

After removal of the nerves (in case of complicated caries, infection), the canal openings are filled with special pins and fillers. Teeth deprived of nutrition darken.

With proper care and regular dental care, they last a long time. It is often necessary to protect molars with a crown.

How many canals are there in each tooth?

The number of dental canals and nerves is determined by the doctor. Their number does not always correspond to the number of roots of a dental unit. The dentist can determine the exact amount using an x-ray. On average, there are from 1 to 3 of them, 4 are less common. The upper “eights” (wisdom teeth) can have 5 canals, which makes their removal extremely difficult. The “eights” of the lower jaw contain no more than 3 cavities.

Root canals are distinguished by structure and divided into different types:

  • I. They have a simple anatomy, starting at the base of the pulp chamber and going to the apex of the root. Therapy is not difficult.
  • II. Two canals that have a common origin at the bottom of the pulp chamber and merge into one at the apical foramen.
  • III. At the base of the pulp capsule, a wide orifice opens, from which one passage emerges. In the lower third of the root, it is divided into two paths, which connect at its base and end in a common exit.
  • IV. Two independent canals of simple anatomical shape, each with its own apical foramen.
  • V. One canal is located inside one root. Near the top it is divided into two independent entrances. It can be difficult for the dentist to treat them to the apical foramen.
  • VI. 2 canals extend from the bottom of the pulp, merge into one at the base and diverge again, opening with separate apical openings.
  • VII. The root canal originates from the bottom of the pulp chamber, narrows at the middle of the root, distributing into two cavities that connect at the apex, and again branch into two separate ones (resembling the shape of a chain link).
  • VIII. There are three independent direct channels in one root. From a morphological point of view, their structure is very simple, but the frequency of distribution is low.
  • IX. The three root cavities of the tooth diverge and merge at the base into one with a single morphological exit. This anatomy is found in third molars.

Upper jaw: incisors, canines, premolars and molars

The number of root cavities possessed by the dental units of the upper jaw varies from one to three. The structure of the system depends on the type and location of the tooth.

Lateral, additional branches can depart from the main ones at any level and have a simple and rather complex configuration. Important indicators and characteristics are shown in the table:

Upper jaw tooth Length of dental unit/canal, mm Number of roots/number of channels
Central incisors 23/13 1/1
  • Type I channels.
  • Cases of two-channel or two-root structure of dental units are extremely rare.
  • Cervical narrowing
Lateral incisors 22/12,9 1/1
  • Infrequently, lateral canals and apical delta, which are poorly accessible for treatment
  • Curved palatoapical part of the root (uncommon)
Fangs 27/15,9 1/1
  • In rare cases, apical canals and delta are found
First premolar 21/13,6 2 (80%)/2 (95%), less common with 1 or 3 canals, root
  • Possible concavity of the mesial surface of the root
Second premolar 22/14,4 1 (90%)/1 (75%), there are cases when teeth have two canals, two and three roots
  • In rare cases, apical canals and deltas are observed
First molar 21/13,3 3/3, in 40% of cases there are four-channel teeth, in 15% - 2 roots
  • In 40%, the canal of one of the roots is branched, mesiobuccal
Second molar 20/13 3 (80%)/3 (57%), there is a high probability that the teeth will have 4 cavities (40%), less common are units with 1, 2 roots and the same number of passages
  • Probably the presence of 2 root passages 40%)

Lower jaw: incisors, canines, premolars and molars

The teeth of the lower and upper jaws are called the same, but have some differences in structure, as can be seen in the photo. The farther they are located, the more channels they find. The topographical features of the dental units of the lower jaw, information about how many roots there are in them, are given in the following diagram of the anatomy of the root canals:

Lower jaw tooth Length of a dental unit, mm Number of roots/number of channels Features taken into account by dentists during extirpation and treatment
Incisors 21–22/13 1/1, in 40% of cases there are 2 channels.
  • Rarely – apical canals, delta
Fangs 26/15,3 1/1 In 2% of cases, two-rooted teeth, 2 canals are observed
  • Uncommon – delta, complex channels
First premolar 22/13,7 1/1, in 20% of cases there may be two cavities in the teeth, in 5% - three
  • Possible lingual tilt
  • Delta and apical canals occur
Second premolar 22/15,2 1/1, 10% – 2 channels
  • Possible presence of three canals (in 1% of cases), apical delta is rarely observed
First molar 21/14,5 2/3, 13% – two channels, 7% – four
  • Apical delta found in mesial root
  • Lateral canals – often
Second molar 20/14,1 2/3, in 13% two canals are found, in 7% four-canal teeth are found
  • Lateral canals
  • Apical delta
  • Basically through only one channel (13% of cases)

Possible norm options

Accurate information about the number of cavities in the sixth, seventh and other human teeth cannot be found anywhere. This is due to the individuality of the structure, partly genetic disposition. Dentists rely on average statistical data and use x-rays if necessary. The orthopanogram shows the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. Sight images provide information about a specific root tooth, which is subject to research.

An x-ray will show how many canals are in the premolar tooth from above. It is he who is exposed to the main chewing load. The quadruples or first premolars of the maxilla usually have two root branches. Fives following them, also with two channels, despite heavy load which they have to perceive. 3 roots are considered a normal variant, but this happens only in 6% of clinical cases. Mandibular premolars with three canals are not observed. Normally there is one branch, in 20% of cases there are two.

Large fourth and fifth molars have a large number of canals. The top sixes can have three or four of them with equal probability. The same picture is observed in the lower jaw. The upper sevens, as in the photo, usually have 3-4 branches, the lower ones - 2 or 3. Since the rear molars are almost the same in structure, the doctor can tell with almost 100 percent probability how many canals the patient has in them.

Topography indicates that a person normally has from 1 to 4 dental canals. However, there may be nuances that are unexpected for the doctor and the patient. The maximum number of canals that dentists observe is six. Each of them is subject to complex endodontic treatment. Without it, it is impossible to save the tooth.


How to find out how many canals there are in a tooth, and what is it for?

Knowledge of the topography of the tooth cavity is important for correct endodontic treatment. During depulpation, the canal cavity is cleaned, the main passage is formed and hermetically sealed. At the same time, a barrier is restored that prevents the penetration of carious infection and bacteria into the bloodstream.

In ordinary life, the patient does not need to know how many roots and canals he has in his tooth. However, if the units are destroyed or hurt, an x-ray will be taken when visiting a doctor. It will show the degree of tissue damage, the number and length of the dental canals, their branches and structural features.

If narrow and long canals are detected, a computed tomography scan can be performed, which helps to accurately determine the configuration. In addition to the number and length of the canals, which is determined instrumentally, the doctor needs information about their patency:

  • with a curvature of up to 25 degrees, they are considered instrumentally accessible;
  • curvature within 25–50 degrees can be difficult to pass;
  • a change in direction over 50 degrees is inaccessible for instrumental intervention; if the angle is located near the mouth, specialists can try to improve patency.

It happens that the doctor does not find the canal at all, which is due to its narrowing or overgrowth as a result of prolonged inflammatory process. Another reason why cavities are difficult to detect is age-related changes, incorrect dental treatment in past.

The complex anatomy of the canals causes difficulties in their treatment. The instrument entry cavity may be curved. It may contain pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to traditional antiseptic drugs. A highly qualified dentist can overcome these problems and provide high-quality root canal treatment for complicated caries, pulpitis and periodontitis. His arsenal includes the necessary diagnostic equipment that will show how many roots are present in the tooth, and tools for canal treatment.

Each of us at least once asked ourselves questions about what the cavity of a molar is, how many roots and canals there are in it. What is their topography and anatomy? How many nerves are there in the cavity of the molar located on top, and how many in the one on the bottom? Working length of the root canal - what is it? These questions are also relevant for doctors, because the process of their treatment, restoration or removal depends on the number of canals and roots.

Introduction

In dentistry, since 1971, there has been the so-called two-digit Viola system. According to it, the units of the upper and lower jaw of a person are divided into four quadrants, each of which has 8 teeth. Quadrants for adults are numbered as 1, 2, 3 and 4, and for children - numbers from 5 to 8 (see table). Therefore, if you suddenly hear from a dentist that you are undergoing medicinal root canal treatment of 46 or 36 units, do not be alarmed.

Each unit has its own individual structure. The number of canals and roots depends on where it is located and what function it performs. From this article you will learn what a dental cavity is and why it is affected by pulpitis. Also read about the concept of working length of the root canal. You will learn about methods for expanding dental cavities and their medicinal treatment, and see photos of three-channel pulpitis.

How does a human tooth work?

The elements of a human tooth can be divided into:

  • crown;
  • neck;
  • root.

The crown is located above the gum and has a special coating called enamel. Under the enamel there is a durable layer of dentin, which in its structure resembles bone tissue.

The cavity of the tooth located inside the crown is called the “pulp”. It passes into a narrow canal of the tooth root, at the base of which there is a small hole. Nerve endings and blood vessels pass through it into the tooth cavity. Inflammation of the pulp is called pulpitis. It is an indication for opening the tooth cavity and cleaning the root canals. The most difficult thing to treat is pulpitis in the cavity of three-channel units (for example, in the sixth). In advanced cases, it is necessary to remove the tooth, and if it is also on top and in the last rows (6, 7 or 8), then this is also inconvenient.

The dental neck is located inside the gum. It does not have an enamel coating, but is protected by cement. The continuation of the tooth cavity is its root. It is located in the alveolus - a small cavity in the teeth. Its structure differs from the structure of the crown and neck. The enamel layer is absent, and dentin is permeated with collagen. Nerves and blood vessels pass through the root canal into the dental cavity.

Number of roots and canals in teeth

The number of channels, as well as their working length, is not the same for each unit. To avoid confusion, a special scheme has been developed in dentistry. Its principle is as follows: the human jaw is divided vertically in the center, numbering is done from the central incisors towards the ears.

The number of channels differs from the number of root bases. The cavities of teeth such as incisors can have one, two or three canals. In order to accurately determine the number of these dental canals and their location, the doctor takes an x-ray of the patient. It helps him carry out the procedure of opening the tooth cavity more accurately.

Let's take a closer look at how many canals and roots there are in each cavity. What are the differences in their numbers on the upper and lower jaws?

On the upper jaw

According to the special dental numbering system for root teeth, their counting begins with the central incisors. The upper units, which are numbered from one to five, have one root each, 6, 7 and 8 have three roots.

In most cases, the upper incisors and canines each have one canal, the fourth unit (24th premolar) in 8% of patients has three canals, in other cases there are 2 or 1. Premolar number five (25) can have a different number of canals. In 1% of people this tooth is three-channel, in 24% it is two-channel, and in the rest it is single-channel. The sixth upper tooth (26th molar) may have three or four sockets (50:50 ratio). The seventh root in most cases (70%) has three channels, but can also have four channels (30%).

On the lower jaw

The lower units, from the first incisor to the fifth premolar, have one characteristic feature that unites them: they all have one cone-shaped root. Next come the “sixes” and “sevens” - they are two-root. The “eights” of the bottom row can have either 3 or four roots.

How many canals are there in the cavity of the lower teeth? So, in 30% of cases the central incisors have 2 recesses, in the remaining 70% - one each. The second incisor can be either single- or double-channel (50:50), the third canine in 7% of cases is single-channel. The 4th premolar is found mainly with one root cavity, but sometimes with two. The fifth premolar is mostly single-canal. In 60% of cases, the 36th molar (6th lower tooth) has three recesses, but there may be 2 or 4. The lower “seven” in 70% of cases has 3 canals, but there are also four.

Wisdom tooth and features of its anatomical structure

The outer eighth units of the lower and upper jaw are called wisdom teeth. The cavity of these teeth is often affected by pulpitis, since they erupt very fragile. These crooked units of wisdom have a peculiar anatomical structure tooth cavity.

They appear later than everyone else: at 20, and at 30, and even at 40 years old. The difference in their anatomical structure lies in the number of roots, which can be from two to five. These roots are quite crooked (see photo), so they cause a lot of problems during medical procedures, and especially during determination of the working length, expansion of canals and filling. The number of channels for “eights” can reach up to five.

How is root canal treatment performed?

An important step in the process of treating root cavities is determining the working length of these canals. Not everyone knows the definition of tooth root length. So, the working length of the root canal is the distance from the edge of the frontal units to the apical constriction preceding the apical foramen. There are several methods for determining the working length of the root canal. The most commonly used are the calculation method, x-ray and electrometric methods.

Endodontics treats tooth root canals. When an endodontist treats a root canal, he performs the manipulations in the following sequence:

  • diagnostics;
  • X-ray;
  • preparing the dental cavity for treatment;
  • anesthesia;
  • chemical treatment tools;
  • opening of the tooth cavity;
  • determination of the working length of root canals;
  • medicinal treatment, cleaning and expansion of root canals along the entire working length;
  • filling a tooth cavity.

Diagnostic methods

The first stage of tooth root canal treatment is diagnosis, which will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and decide on a treatment method. To do this, the patient needs to undergo an x-ray to examine the part of the crown that the doctor cannot see. This procedure allows you to understand how many roots and canals the tooth cavity has. If the X-ray examination is ignored, then the cavity of the diseased tooth will have to be opened again.

Preparatory procedures

After the X-ray of the dental cavity has been carefully studied, the diagnosis has been made, and the stages of the upcoming therapy have been planned, it is necessary to tell the patient about everything in detail. Next, you need to issue a documented consent for the autopsy and further treatment tooth cavity.

An important point in preparing for treatment of a root cavity is for the doctor to obtain information about the presence allergic reactions in a patient for anesthetics. If such information is not available, an allergy test is performed. At this stage, chemical treatment of the instruments with which the manipulations will be performed is carried out.

Administration of anesthesia and application of anesthetic

Before treatment begins, the patient is anesthetized in the area of ​​the jaw where the intervention will be performed. Anesthesia can be superficial or in the form of an injection. The first type of anesthesia blocks sensitivity not only in the dental cavity, but also on the mucous membrane. It is usually used to numb the area where the doctor is about to inject an anesthetic.

The following drugs are used for superficial anesthesia:

  • 0.5% Promecaine ointment;
  • Anestezin;
  • Lidocaine;
  • Dicaine.

Opening a molar tooth

What is the opening of a tooth cavity? In order to remove the pulp and clean the root canals, the dentist needs to provide good access to them. Opening the tooth cavity can begin immediately after grinding the caries and removing sawdust from the dentin. The process of opening the tooth cavity begins with the smallest bur, after which a large spherical one is used.

Medicinal treatment of canals

Canal treatment is divided into mechanical (scraping out the contents using special tools) and chemical (medicinal treatment of root canals with disinfectants injected with a thin needle). Today, the following scheme for medicinal treatment of the root canal is used: sodium hypochloride is applied after using each instrument and completing mechanical cleaning, then hydrogen peroxide, and after that distilled water. Drug treatment of root canals is carried out immediately after the opening of the dental cavity is completed.

Sealing

The final stage of tooth root canal treatment is sealing the cavity. The root cavities are filled with a special filling material (usually gutta-percha). The filling helps the tooth remain strong and prevents pathogenic bacteria from entering its cavity.

Filling a tooth cavity can be:

  • temporary;
  • permanent.

During temporary filling, the tooth cavity is filled with a non-hardening paste that has medicinal properties. This type is used in cases with advanced three-channel pulpitis or periodontitis.

If there is no sign that there is inflammation in the tooth cavity, then removal (for example, the 6th) is not carried out, and a permanent filling is installed. In this case - without consequences. Prevention of root canal diseases

For ideal “order” in the oral cavity you need:

  • take proper care of it;
  • use high-quality instruments and oral hygiene products;
  • visit the dentist twice a year;
  • after each meal, rinse your mouth with water;
  • quit smoking and alcohol;
  • reduce the amount of coffee and tea consumed;
  • Healthy food.

The root canal system in a tooth is a kind of tunnel through which nutrients and nerve endings pass. The space of the canals is filled with pulp tissue, which consists of a collagen complex with lymphatic and blood vessels, and nerve fibers. With the development of a carious process with damage to hard tissues up to the pulp chamber, conditions are created for the rapid spread of infection through the canal system. The dentist’s treatment tactics depend on clinical data and how many canals there are in the tooth.

Features of the organ

In the process of ontogenesis, the formation of milk and permanent teeth occurs already in the prenatal period. During fetal development, in parallel with general growth, an increase in body weight and the complication of the structure of organs and systems, their improvement, mineralization of the dairy occurs. The permanent group begins to undergo a process of increasing the mineral component in the composition in the first month of life.

Milk teeth, or, as they are also called “temporary” (limited service life), are represented by incisors (central, lateral), canine, first molar and second. A total of 5 on each side of the center line on the upper and lower jaw. The central line, also known as the “central axis,” runs along the top of the nose, between the central incisors, and to the top of the chin. The upper and lower jaws should normally have 10 teeth by the age of 3 years.

The teeth of the permanent group contain features in anatomical shape and quantity. This is due to the fact that as the child grows, in parallel with small changes in the skull, the development of the jaw also occurs. The dental arch increases in size, the lower jaw moves down and forward. The permanent group is represented by incisors (central, lateral), canine, premolar (small molar: 2 units), molar (large molar: 3 units). A total of 8 on each side of the center line. Normally, 28 teeth, with the exception of the last “wise” teeth, should fully erupt by the age of 15. The remaining eights (the last major molars) erupt after 18 years.

Both the temporary group and the permanent group are characterized by the presence of some similarity in the anatomical structure. The dental organ consists of an outer and an inner part. The external one is visible to us when we smile or when examining the oral cavity ourselves in a mirror or when a dentist examines it in a chair at an appointment. The inner part is immersed in the bone and is firmly fixed due to the ligamentous apparatus of the periodontium.

If you look at a tooth isolated from the oral cavity, you can see that it consists of three parts:

  • Crown;
  • Neck;
  • Root.

The crown is visible when external inspection. The roots are normally embedded in the jaw bone. The neck occupies an intermediate position and the periodontal ligaments are mainly attached to it. The inside of the neck (immersed in the bone) is covered with cement and it is to it that the ligamentous apparatus is attached.

Internal structure

The dental organ is able to perform its function due to the characteristics of the tissues present in its composition. The outside of this organ is covered with enamel, the strongest hard tissue. The thickness of the enamel is very different, depending on the group of teeth and the location of the organ in the jaw arch. After enamel comes dentin. This fabric occupies a large area of solid structures tooth Nerve fibers pass through the dentin, the number of which increases towards the border with the pulp chamber.

The inside of the tooth is hollow. If you roughly divide the tooth, you can reveal that the root canal of the tooth starts from the pulp chamber, which is present in a large volume inside the crown. The narrowing point from the pulp chamber into the canal is called the orifice. The number of canals in one tooth root may vary. It should also be noted that different groups teeth there are also features in the structure of the inner part of the tooth.

In baby teeth, the enamel layer is thinner and less mineralized compared to permanent teeth. This can explain the rapid spread of the carious process deep into the tooth. Temporary dentin is loose and also more represented by an organic matrix. The root canal cavity is wide, with the apical foramen (or apex of the tooth) located at the exit from the root canals into the periodontal region. The stage of formation of the apex ends only three years from the moment of eruption. However, in case of injury, damage to the pulp tissue by the inflammatory process against the background of infection or another factor, this stage does not complete. In order for the top to close, a calcium-containing substance must be introduced, due to which the mineralization necessary for this stage is carried out.

Branching system

Why is it important to know how many canals there are in a tooth? Of course, this issue does not seem important to the average person, but for a dentist who is directly involved in the treatment of teeth with complicated caries (pulpitis, periodontitis), knowledge of the anatomical structure is extremely important. After all, even if infectious process only partially affected the dental canals, for example, in the area of ​​the upper third, located next to the mouth, the treatment should be carried out efficiently and preferably the entire system. It is extremely rare and only according to indications that amputation is allowed: removal of the pulp from the chamber and partially in the area of ​​the orifices, with the application of a therapeutic and insulating pad to the canal itself.

The following system is represented in milk teeth:

  • Incisors: both central and lateral have one canal;
  • Canine: one long and wide canal;
  • First and second molars: usually two.

For a permanent group:

  • Incisors: central and lateral along 1 canal (2 can be on the lower);
  • Fang: 1;
  • First premolar: 2 above, 1 below;
  • Second premolar: 1 on each jaw;
  • Third molar: Mostly 3, but in the upper jaw there may be 4 or more.

The given information on the number of canals can be considered average, since this indicator was collected from the total number of people previously examined in dentistry. Exist individual characteristics the structure of both teeth in terms of external and internal structure. The canals exit the tooth root through the apical foramen. To make it easier for the doctor to rely on how many canals are present in the tooth, other diagnostic methods are also used.

At the doctor

An endodontist dentist directly treats the tooth canals located in the root. The restorative part, namely the restoration of the crown, is performed by a general practitioner or a highly specialized dentist in replenishing the part of the tooth that is visible when smiling.

In order to determine the level of location of the orifices, the dentist uses various techniques. On initial stage When significant destruction of the tooth crown is detected, the specialist also conducts an X-ray examination of the tissue. The targeted contact radiograph shows the topography of the canals. The use of the tabular method is not always informative and accurate, since there are changes in the structure of the canal already inside the root cavity. According to Vertucci's classification, there can be bifurcation and disarray of the canals, while the system can merge into a single point in the area of ​​the apical foramen.

To facilitate the identification of canals, the doctor uses special liquids in the process of creating access. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment begins. Therapy of a diseased tooth consists of preparation, opening of the cavity, amputation of the coronal pulp, expansion of the cavity. Then a thorough antiseptic treatment (3% hydrogen peroxide solution, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution) and drying are carried out. A liquid based on EDTA salts (20%) is applied for some time to expand and identify the orifices.

During the treatment process, hand and machine endodontic instruments are used, with the joint or alternating use of chemicals that dissolve the smear layer from the inside of dentin and the remains of pulp tissue (3–5% sodium hypochlorite solution). At the same time, one should not rely only on the anatomical structure of the canal system, based on data from tables and x-ray studies. There are often additional microtubules that extend from the main canals and extend toward the dentinoenamel junction or apex. Channels are not always available for processing. Areas of narrowing, widening, and curvature may be noted.

After the root canals of the teeth have been thoroughly processed, drying and filling begin. You can fill the canal space with paste or gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a special material that, when heated, melts and forms a viscous mass that fills all the microcavities of the tooth. Adequate sealing will prevent the risk of possible re-infection.

Why is it important to understand the branching system in the tooth?

It seems to the common man that the pain in the depths of the tooth may not bother him. However, if oral hygiene is violated, the consumption of quickly digestible carbohydrates increases, the absence of a routine medical examination and sanitation of the oral cavity by a specialist can lead to the development of caries. Caries is a process affecting the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel, dentin). With deep penetration, the infection from dentin passes through a system of microtubules into the tooth cavity, namely into the pulp chamber. Pulpitis occurs.

Pulpitis is characterized by rapid inflammatory swelling and rupture of the neurovascular bundle. In the absence of treatment, the process quickly passes through the canal system to the apical region. Thereby provoking periodontitis. Each of the diseases of the hard tissues of the tooth, uncomplicated (caries) and complicated (pulpitis, periodontitis), has its own characteristics in terms of symptoms, clinical picture, and, accordingly, treatment. Treatment tactics are specified by a specialist in each case individually. If pain persists after filling, you must inform your doctor. This is important because errors may have been made during the diagnosis process, treatment, or the patient’s condition was not taken into account.

Endodontics - a branch of dentistry that studies the structure and function of the endodont, methods and techniques of manipulation in the dental cavity in case of injury, pathological changes in the pulp, periodontium, and for various other indications.

Endodontist - a complex of tissues, including pulp and dentin, which are interconnected morphologically and functionally. The pulp and dentin are connected through the processes of odontoblasts, which fill the dentinal tubules (Fig. 9.1).

Clinicians also refer to the endodontist as the pulpoapical complex, which includes the apical periodontium with cement, cortical and cancellous bone adjacent to the apex of the tooth root.

Knowledge of the topography of the dental cavity, the principles of preparation of the dental cavity and root canals using modern instruments and techniques, and materials for filling root canals is the key to successful endodontic treatment and expands the indications for preserving teeth.

Rice. 9.1. Diagram of the relationship between odontoblasts and dentin

Rice. 9.2. Tooth, dental cavity

Rice. 9.3. Microphotographs of apical openings

Cavity of the tooth (cavum dentis)

Its coronal part (cavum coronale) its structure repeats the anatomical shape of the tooth crown, and the shape of the root canals follows the shape of the roots of the teeth (Fig. 9.2).

The tooth cavity communicates with the periodontium through the main root canal and additional root canals. Additional canals open mainly in the area of ​​the root apex, or in the middle third of the root, as well as in the bifurcation area (in molars) (Fig. 9.3, 9.4).

In addition to knowledge of anatomy various groups teeth, it is necessary to take into account age-related changes in the structure of the dental cavity, as well as the influence of pathological processes on its condition.

Rice. 9.4. Top of tooth:

a - radiographic tip

b - physiological apex

c - apical part of the canal

g - tooth cement

d - tooth dentin

e - anatomical apex

The dental cavity in primary teeth of children is characterized by a large size, wide canals and apical openings.

During a person's life, the shape and size of the cavity changes due to the plastic activity of odontoblasts - the builders of dentin. Often in older people, the crown part of the tooth cavity decreases in size and sometimes disappears completely. The mouths of the canals and the canals themselves become narrowed.

Maxillary central incisor

The coronal part of the tooth cavity is formed by the labial, palatal and two lateral walls, and has the appearance of a triangular fissure compressed in the vestibular-palatal direction. The arch of the cavity is determined at the level of the middle third of the tooth crown with three recesses directed towards the cutting edge. Towards the root, the coronal cavity narrows and becomes a single root canal. The canal of the central incisor of the upper jaw is wide and round in cross section.

Maxillary lateral incisor

The coronal part of the tooth cavity has the shape of a triangle. Its widest part is located in the area of ​​the tooth neck. The arch of the tooth cavity is determined along the line of the middle third of the crown,

has three recesses directed towards the cutting edge, corresponding to its tubercles. The canal is laterally compressed, somewhat narrower than in the central incisors. On a cross section, the canal is elongated in the vestibular-palatal direction and has oval shape. Often the apex of the root and root canal is slightly curved in the palatal direction. In 1% of cases an additional channel is found.

Maxillary canine

The tooth cavity has a spindle-shaped shape. At the level of the middle of the crown, the cavity widens, and at the level of the neck it is largest. Then the tooth cavity without visible boundaries passes into a wide root canal. On a cross section, it has the appearance of an oval, elongated in the bucco-palatal direction. Often the root and root canal are in

Mandibular central incisor

The tooth cavity resembles a triangle. The arch of the tooth cavity is located close to the cutting edge.

The coronal part of the cavity smoothly passes into the root canal. Since the tooth root is compressed in the mediolateral direction, the tooth cavity on the cross-cut has an oval or slit-like shape. The canal is narrow and often difficult to navigate.

Mandibular lateral incisor

The cavity of the tooth is slightly larger than the cavity of the central incisor tooth. The canal is oval in shape, elongated in the vestibular-lingual direction. The main difference from the central incisor is that the lateral incisor has a wider canal; two canals are often found - vestibular and lingual.

Mandibular canine

The tooth cavity, like the tooth itself, has a spindle-shaped shape. There is a depression in the arch corresponding to the cutting cusp. At the level of the middle of the crown, the cavity expands. It reaches its greatest size in the area of ​​the tooth neck, smoothly transitioning into the root canal. On a cross section, the canal has an oval shape, compressed in the mediolateral direction. Often there are two canals - buccal and lingual.

Right maxillary premolar

The coronal cavity of the tooth is compressed in the anteroposterior direction, has the shape of a gap, elongated in the bucco-palatal direction. It distinguishes: the arch of the tooth cavity, the bottom and 4 walls. The arch of the cavity is located at the level of the neck of the tooth, has two protrusions, respectively, the buccal and palatal cusps. Buccal prominence

more expressed. The bottom of the tooth cavity has a saddle shape and is located significantly above the neck of the tooth, under the gum. Along the edges of the bottom of the tooth cavity there are funnel-shaped mouths of the buccal and palatal canals. The canals are difficult to pass, but the palatal canal is wider, straight, and the buccal canal is narrower and curved. In 2 - 6% of cases, there are 3 canals: two buccal (anterior and posterior) and one palatal.

Maxillary second premolar

The coronal cavity of this tooth resembles the cavity of the first premolar, is compressed in the anteroposterior direction, has the shape of a gap, elongated in the bucco-palatal direction. The arch of the cavity is located at the level of the neck of the tooth. The coronal cavity without a sharp boundary passes into a straight, well-passable root canal, the mouth of which is located in the center of the cavity. In 24% of cases, the maxillary second premolar may have two canals (buccal and palatal), which can be connected and opened by one or two apical foramina.

Mandibular first premolar

The coronal cavity of the tooth is oval in shape, narrowed in the anteroposterior direction. There are two depressions in the roof of the cavity, the larger one corresponds to the larger buccal cusp, the smaller one corresponds to the lingual one. The largest cavity size is observed below the neck of the tooth. Gradually narrowing, the tooth cavity turns into one passage

my channel. There may be two canals (buccal and lingual), which can be connected and opened by one or two apical openings.

Mandibular second premolar

The coronal cavity of the tooth is round in shape. In the roof of the cavity there are two uniform depressions, respectively, the buccal and lingual cusps. Gradually narrowing, the cavity of the tooth crown turns into one well-passable canal.

Maxillary first molar

In the coronal part of the tooth cavity, which follows the shape of the crown, there are: the arch, the bottom of the cavity and 4 walls (buccal, palatal, anterior and posterior). On a cross section, the tooth cavity has the shape of a diamond. The arch of the cavity is located on the border of the upper and middle third of the tooth crown and has indentations corresponding to the masticatory cusps. The larger depression corresponds to a larger anterior buccal cusp. The bottom of the tooth cavity is slightly convex and is located at the level of the neck of the tooth or slightly above it, under the gum. At the bottom of the tooth cavity there are three orifices of the root canals: anterior buccal, posterior buccal and palatal, which, when connected, form a triangular

Nick. The base of the latter is formed by a line connecting the mouths of the buccal canals, and the apex is formed by the palatine canal. The longest, palatal canal is usually straight, easily passable, and oval in shape.

The buccal canals are narrow, curved, and usually difficult to instrument. Often there is a fourth canal in the anterior buccal root. As a rule, it has a narrow mouth and is difficult to access for instrumental processing. In some cases it is isolated, and sometimes in the area of ​​the apex of the tooth it merges with the main canal and ends with one apical foramen.

Maxillary second molar.

There are 4 variants of the structure of the tooth cavity, corresponding to four variants of the anatomical shape of its crown. The most common are the first and fourth variants of the structure of the tooth cavity.

First option: the structure of the cavity repeats the shape of the cavity of the first molar of the upper jaw.

The second and third options are more rare. The dental cavity in these variants has a diamond shape, elongated in the anteroposterior direction.

The mouths of the canals come closer together and are located almost in one straight line. The arch of the tooth cavity in the second version has 4 recesses corresponding to the four cusps. The anterior buccal recess is more pronounced. The vault of the cavity in the third version has 3 depressions, corresponding to the three tubercles, the anterior buccal depression is also the most pronounced. The fourth variant of the structure of the tooth cavity has triangular shape, corresponding to the three-tubercle shape of the chewing surface. The arch of the cavity is projected at the level of the neck of the tooth and has three depressions corresponding to the cusps. The anterior buccal recess is more pronounced. The bottom of the tooth cavity of the second molar of the upper jaw is located above the level of the neck of the tooth. There are three root canals: two buccal (anterior and posterior), one palatal. The palatal canal is wide, well passable, the buccal canal is narrow, curved, and often has lateral branches.

Maxillary third molar

The coronal cavity of the tooth is variable in structure, like the tooth itself, often reminiscent of the shape of the tooth cavity of the first or second maxillary molar with three canals (two buccal and one lingual). It is possible to have more than three root canals. Often the channels merge into one channel. Due to its structural features and poor access, the third molar presents particular difficulties in endodontic treatment.

Mandibular first molar

The coronal cavity of this tooth has a vault, a bottom and 4 walls (buccal, lingual, anterior and posterior). The arch of the cavity is located on the border of the middle and lower third of the tooth crown and has 5 depressions, corresponding to the five cusps of the chewing surface. The anterior buccal recess is most pronounced. The bottom of the tooth cavity has the shape of a rectangle, elongated in the anteroposterior direction. It is located at the level of the tooth neck or slightly lower and has a convex surface. At the bottom of the tooth cavity there are 3 root canal orifices. There are 2 canals in the anterior root, and one canal in the posterior root. The entrance to the anterior buccal canal is located directly under the tubercle of the same name. The entrances to the anterior lingual and posterior canals are located under the longitudinal fissure separating the buccal and lingual cusps. The orifices of the canals form a triangle with its apex at the orifice of the posterior canal. The anterior canals are narrow, especially the anterior buccal. The rear channel is wide, well passable. Often a tooth has 4 canals, 2 of which are located in the anterior root, and the other 2 in the posterior root. The mouths of the canals in this case form a quadrangle.

Mandibular second molar.

The tooth cavity resembles the shape of the tooth cavity of the mandibular first molar. However, the arch of the cavity has 4 indentations, corresponding to the four cusps on the chewing surface. Compared to the first molar of the lower jaw, the tooth cavity is smaller and the distance between the mouths of the root canals is smaller due to the proximity of the anterior and posterior roots.

Mandibular third molar

The structure of the tooth cavity is variable and repeats the shape

of the tooth itself, often resembles the structure of the dental cavity of the first or second molars of the lower jaw. However, the number of canals is not constant due to the variability in the number and location of roots. Often the roots grow together to form one canal.

Teeth parameters

(Mamedova L.A., Olesova V.N., 2002)

Table 9.1.

Upper jaw

Lower jaw

Topography of root canal orifices

Channel designations:

1 - palatal

2 - anterior buccal

3 - posterior buccal

4 - buccal

5 - anterior lingual

6 - anterior buccal

7 - rear

Rice. 9.5. Scheme of location of root canal orifices

Rice. 9.6. Topography of the root canal mouths (the open tooth cavity is indicated in red)

The structure of the hard tissues surrounding the pulp chamber has numerous configurations and shapes. A thorough knowledge of dental anatomy, accurate interpretation of axial radiographs, proper preparation access and careful examination of the internal anatomy of the tooth are necessary conditions for a successful treatment outcome. Magnification and lighting - aids, which must be used to achieve this goal. This article describes and illustrates dental anatomy and discusses the influence of dental anatomy on endodontic treatment. A thorough understanding of the complex root canal system is a prerequisite for understanding the principles and problems of formation and cleansing, determining the apical limit and extent of preparation, as well as for the successful performance of microsurgical operations.

It is important to clearly understand and know the relationship of internal anatomy before endodontic treatment. Careful evaluation of two or more periapical radiographs is prerequisite. These angular radiographs provide doctors necessary information about the anatomy of root canals. Martinez-Lozano et al examined the effect of X-ray tube angle on the accuracy of determining root canal anatomy in premolar teeth. They found that when surveyed at 20 and 40 degrees, the number of root canals observed in the HF first and second premolars and the LF first premolar were consistent with the actual number of root canals. In the case of the second premolar LF, only a 40 degree horizontal angle reflects the correct root canal morphology. The particular importance of careful evaluation of each radiograph taken before and during the canal treatment procedure was emphasized by Friedman et al. In a case report describing a five-canal LF first molar, these authors emphasize that it was the radiographic examination that contributed to the recognition of the complex canal anatomy. They caution that any attempt to develop techniques that require fewer radiographs increases the risk of missing information that affects treatment success.

Radiographs, however, do not always reflect the proper anatomy of the root canals, especially when only one buccolingual projection is examined. Nattress et al radiographed 790 extracted lower incisors and premolars to evaluate the incidence of root canal bifurcation.

How many roots does each tooth have?

The root is located under the gum, below the surface of the neck and makes up approximately 70% of the organ. The number of chewing organs and the roots present on them is not identical. A system has been developed according to which they find out how many roots there are, for example, the 6th tooth on top or a wisdom tooth.

How many roots do adult teeth have? Their number in each chewing unit depends not only on its position, but also on hereditary factors, a person’s age, and race. Mongoloids and Negroids have one more root than Caucasians, and they grow together more often.

Dentists numbered each chewing organ. If you visually dissect the jaw vertically so that the section line passes through the middle of the skull, then to the left and right of it there will be central incisors. From this area the organs are numbered towards the ears. If we adhere to this principle of classification, then the root system of the chewing organs of an adult individual is as follows.

  • #1 and #2 are called incisors, #3 are canines, and #4 and #5 are called molars. They grow on the upper and lower jaws and are endowed with one cone-shaped root.
  • No. 6 – 7 and No. 8, located at the top, are called large molars and wisdom teeth. Each of them has three bases. These same units, but present on the lower jaw, can have two roots, except for organ No. 8. He has three, and in some cases four.

This information relates to the root system of adults. What about children, what is the number of roots in baby teeth, do they even exist? Many people think that baby teeth do not have teeth at all. It is not true. They have bases ranging from one to three, with their help the organs cling to the jaw, however, by the time they fall out, the roots disappear, giving rise to the erroneous opinion that they did not exist at all.

How many canals are there in teeth?

The number of canals in human teeth is not the same as the number of roots. There are two or three of them in the incisor, or maybe one, but dividing into two. Each person's dental root system is unique. The exact number of depressions is determined using an x-ray. None strict rules In dentistry, this has not been established, and information on the number of channels is formed as a percentage.

The upper and lower organs are not similar to each other. The incisors and canines of the upper jaw have one depression each. The central incisors of the lower jaw are found to have two channels. In 70% of cases there is one, and in the remaining 30% there are two.

The second incisor of the lower jaw in 50% of adults has 2 canals, the lower canine in 6% of cases has 1, and in all other cases it is similar to the second incisor.

The fourth unit, also called the first premolar and located at the top, has three depressions. However, the 4th upper three-channel tooth is quite rare, in only 6% of people. In 9% of cases there is one, in other cases there are two. A similar four from below does not have more than two channels; it is more often found in it in singular.

How many canals are there in the upper 5th tooth? The quintet, called the second premolar, has a relationship similar to that described above. At the top, units with three depressions are found in 1% of individuals, with two - in 24%, and in the rest - with one. At the bottom, the second premolar can most often be found with a single canal.

How many canals can be found in the 6th upper tooth? The six on the upper jaw may have three or four of them in the same proportion.

How many canals are there in the 6th lower tooth? At the bottom, sometimes there are sixes with two grooves, in 60% of cases - with three, in the rest we are talking about four-channel teeth.

How many canals are there in the 7th tooth? At the top of the jaw, in 70% of cases it is endowed with three grooves; in the remaining 30%, the tooth has 4 canals. In the bottom seven, the percentage ratio is similar.

Is the number of roots equal to the number of channels? No, that's not true. The latter have branches; they can bifurcate near the pulp. There are often 2 of them in one root.

In the area of ​​the apex they tend to bifurcate, then a pair of apexes is formed at the root.

Number of wisdom tooth canals

How many canals can be found in a wisdom tooth? Organ No. 8 is considered extraordinary. If the wisdom tooth is located at the top, it can have five indentations, and at the bottom - no more than three. In rare cases, there are more channels.

The number eight often causes its owner a lot of trouble. When a wisdom tooth begins to erupt, severe pain occurs. If it is positioned incorrectly, intense pain appears. To clean the wisdom tooth, it is recommended to use a special brush, since it is not easy to reach. In wisdom teeth, the recesses are often narrow and of irregular configuration, which makes it difficult to carry out therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations.

Why does a tooth need a nerve?

The contents of the dental canals are covered by a network of nerve fibers grouped into branches. Each base is endowed with a nerve branch, and often several at once; the branch can be divided at the top.

How many nerves are there in a molar tooth? This directly depends on the number of roots and canals present in it.

Nerve fibers influence the development and growth of teeth and ensure their sensitivity. The presence of nerves allows the masticatory organ to be not just a piece of bone, but a living organ.

Dental mathematics is very exciting. Compared to the cost of dental procedures, each molar is worth its weight in gold.

Anterior primary teeth

The shape of the root canal of a temporary incisor corresponds to the shape of its root. The permanent tooth germ is located more lingually and apically in relation to the temporary anterior tooth. Due to this arrangement of the primordia of permanent teeth, resorption of the roots of temporary incisors and canines begins from the lingual surface of the apical third of the root.

Upper incisors

The root canals of the upper central and lateral temporary incisors have a slightly oval shape. Normally, these teeth have one canal, without bifurcation. Apical accessory and lateral canals are rare.

Lower incisors

The root canals of the lower central and lateral temporary incisors are flattened in the mesio-distal plane. Sometimes there are grooves indicating a possible division into two canals. In less than 10% of cases there are two canals, and lateral or additional canals are found.

Upper and lower canines

The root canals of the upper and lower primary canines are shaped similar to the external contours of the root, resembling a rounded triangle with a base on the vestibular surface. Sometimes the canal lumen is flattened in the anteroposterior direction. The canine root canal system is the simplest of all primary teeth; these teeth create the least problems with endodontic treatment. Bifurcation of the channels does not normally occur. Lateral and accessory canals are rare.

Temporary molars

Typically, primary molars have the same number and arrangement of roots as the corresponding permanent molars. The upper molars have three roots - two buccal and one palatal, the lower molars have two roots - mesial and distal. The roots of temporary molars are thin and long, relative to the length and width of the crown. They diverge to the sides, allowing the developing permanent tooth germ to fit between the roots. By the time the roots of temporary molars complete their formation, each root has only one canal. Subsequent internal dentin deposition may result in the space being divided into two or more canals. During this process, a message remains between the canals, which may remain after the end of root formation, in the form of an isthmus or cracks.

The most variable morphology of root canals is in the mesial root of upper and lower primary molars. The change in shape begins in the apical region, where a thin isthmus appears between the buccal and lingual walls of the apical part of the canal. With further deposition of replacement dentin, complete division of the root canal into two or more individual canals may occur. Many thin branches and thread-like messages form a connecting network between the buccal and lingual walls of the capal

Similar morphological differences occur in the distal and palatal roots, but to a lesser extent. Quite often, in 10-20% of cases, additional canals, lateral canals and apical branches of the pulp are found in primary molars.

Root resorption of primary molars usually begins with inner surface or in the furcation area. The effect of resorption on the root canal anatomy of primary teeth is described in detail below.

Upper first primary molar

The upper first primary molar has two to four canals, the shape of which more or less matches the external contours of the roots (with many deviations). The palatal root is usually round and longer than the buccal roots. The presence of two canals in the mesiobuccal root occurs in approximately 75% of cases.

In about a third of cases, fusion of the palatal and distal buccal roots occurs. These teeth most often have two separate canals with a very thin isthmus between them. Islands of dentin may be located between the canals, with many connecting gaps and anastomoses.

Upper second primary molar

The upper second primary molar has from two to five canals, the shape of which more or less corresponds to the external contours of the roots. The mesiobuccal root canal usually (in 85-95% of cases) bifurcates, or contains two separate canals.

Fusion of the palatal and distal buccal roots is possible. In this case, the roots may have a common canal, two separate canals, or two canals with a narrow isthmus, additional islands and many anastomoses between them.

Lower first primary molar

The lower first temporary molar usually has three canals, the shape of which more or less corresponds to the external contours of the roots, but the number of canals can range from two to four. It has been reported that in approximately 75% of cases, the mesial root contains two canals, while the distal root contains more than one canal in only 25% of cases.

Lower second primary molar

The lower second primary molar can have from two to five canals, but most often there are three. In approximately 85% of cases, the mesial root contains a canal floor, while the distal root contains more than one canal in only 25% of cases.

Diagnostics

Before any treatment is initiated, a comprehensive clinical and X-ray examination. A thorough dental and medical history should also be collected. For a complete diagnosis, targeted and panoramic radiography is necessary. An obligatory part of the examination is the examination of hard and soft tissues in order to identify pathological changes.

In cases where pulp treatment is required, diagnosis is critical and determines the nature of treatment. If the condition of the pulp was not determined before treatment, and the need for pulp treatment arose during the intervention, an adequate diagnosis becomes impossible.

There are no reliable methods for accurately diagnosing the condition of the inflamed pulp. clinical methods. It is impossible to determine the degree of inflammation in the pulp without resorting to histological examination. Diagnosis of the condition of the pulp when it is exposed in children is difficult; there is no stable correspondence between clinical symptoms and histopathological condition.

Although it is generally accepted that diagnostic tests cannot assess the degree of pulp inflammation in primary and permanent teeth with incomplete root formation, they should always be performed to collect the maximum amount of information before treatment.

Radiography

X-ray examination is necessary to detect caries and pathological changes in the periapical tissues. Reading radiographs in children is complicated by the physiological resorption of the roots of temporary teeth and the incomplete formation of permanent teeth. If the doctor is not well versed in the peculiarities of X-ray diagnostics in children, or if the quality of X-ray images is not good enough, incorrect interpretation of the images is possible when normal anatomical features mistaken for pathological changes

Radiographs do not always help to identify the pathology of the periapical tissues; the depth of the carious cavity cannot be accurately determined from the radiograph. What appears to be an intact barrier of secondary dentin overlying the pulp may in fact be perforated or irregularly calcified carious dentin overlying the inflamed pulp.

The presence of denticles inside the pulp has a large current for diagnosing its condition. Mild chronic irritation of the pulp stimulates the formation of replacement dentin. If the inflammation is acute and rapid, defense mechanism does not have time to work, and secondary dentin is not deposited. When the pathological process reaches the pulp, it tends to develop calcified masses around the affected area. The presence of denticles is always associated with the process of degeneration of the coronal pulp and inflammation of the root pulp.

Pathological changes in the periapical tissues of primary molars are most often localized in the area of ​​bifurcation or trifurcation of the roots, and not at the apexes. Pathological root and bone resorption is a consequence of extensive pulp degeneration. Even if there are such degenerative changes the pulp can remain viable.

When the pulp of primary teeth is damaged, internal resorption often develops. It is always associated with intense inflammation and usually occurs in the root canals of molars near the bifurcation or trifurcation of the roots. Because the roots of primary molars are very thin, resorption must be sufficiently pronounced to be visible on a radiograph. Root perforation usually results from resorption. If root perforation occurs as a result of internal resorption, the temporary tooth cannot be treated. The method of choice is tooth extraction.

Filling the canals of temporary teeth

The material for filling the canals of temporary teeth must be absorbable so that it dissolves simultaneously with root resorption, without interfering with the eruption of the permanent tooth. Most reports in the American literature concern the use of zinc oxide eugenol cements for this purpose, while in other countries pastes based on iodoform (KRI paste, Pharmachemic AG, Zurich, Switzerland) or zinc oxide eugenol pastes are used. The antibacterial activity of KRI paste is lower than that of zinc oxide with eugenol, while its cytotoxicity upon direct and indirect contact with cells is the same as or higher than that of zinc oxide with eugenol. The filling material of choice is zinc oxide eugenol cement without a catalyst. The absence of a catalyst is necessary to ensure sufficient operating time to fill the channels. The use of gutta-percha or silver pins for filling the canals of primary teeth is contraindicated.

Filling the canals of temporary teeth is usually performed without anesthesia. This technique is preferred because the patient's response serves as an indicator that the apical foramen has been reached. However, sometimes it is necessary to numb the gums with an application of an anesthetic solution in order to painlessly install the rubber dam clamp.

Zinc-oxide-eugenol cement is mixed to a thick consistency and introduced into the tooth cavity with a plastic instrument or canal filler. The material is condensed in the channels by pluggers or channel fillers. You can use a cotton ball held by the jaws of tweezers as a piston, pushing the filling material into the canals. It is also effective to use an endodontic syringe to inject zinc oxide eugenolone cement into the canals. When studying the quality of canal filling and apical obturation, no statistically significant differences were found between canals filled with a canal filler, an endodontic syringe or a plugger.

Regardless of the filling technique, it is important to avoid moving the filling material beyond the root apex into the periapical tissue. A much higher rate of failure has been reported with overfilling with zinc oxide eugenol cement than with filling the canal just to the apex or just short of the apex. The adequacy of obturation is verified using radiographs.

If not a large number of The zinc-oxide-eugenol cement is still removed beyond the root apex; it is left as this material will resolve. It has been reported that defects in underlying permanent teeth are not associated with apical extrusion of zinc oxide eugenol cement.

Once the canals are filled satisfactorily, a fast-setting, temporary cement or glass ionomer cement is injected into the tooth cavity to seal off the zinc oxide eugenol material. After this, the final restoration can be carried out. To restore primary molars, it is advisable to use stainless steel crowns to avoid possible fracture root

If the permanent tooth germ is missing and the pulp of a temporary molar is damaged, after extirpation of the pulp, the canals are filled with gutta-percha. Since in this case there is no factor of permanent tooth eruption, gutta-percha becomes the material of choice.

Clinical observation after pulp extirpation of temporary teeth

As stated above, the success rate after pulp extirpation of primary teeth is high. However, it is necessary to carry out regular follow-up examinations of such teeth to ensure the success of treatment and prevent the development of possible complications. Root resorption should proceed normally, without interfering with the eruption of a permanent tooth, there should be no complaints, the temporary tooth should be well retained in the alveolus, without showing signs of pathology. If pathological changes are detected, it is recommended to remove the tooth and make an appropriate orthodontic appliance to preserve space in the dental arch.

It has been found that after endodontic treatment, primary teeth can sometimes be retained in the jaw for too long. One study reported the development of crossbite or palatal eruption of permanent teeth in 20% of cases after treatment of primary teeth with pulp extirpation. Removal of teeth from the lateral group was required in 22% of cases, because there was a displacement of permanent premolars, or the change of temporary teeth was difficult. Once the process of normal physiological root resorption reaches the level of the pulp chamber, large amounts of cement can retard resorption, resulting in prolonged crown retention. Treatment usually involves removing the crown of the primary molar, allowing permanent tooth cut through.

A common consequence of pulp extirpation of primary teeth is retention of zinc-oxide-eugenol cement in the tissues. One long-term study reported material retention in 50% of primary tooth loss cases. If the canals are not filled up to the tops, the likelihood of material retention is noticeably reduced. Over time, the remaining cement dissolves completely or partially. The delay of filling material does not affect the success of treatment and does not lead to pathological changes. Therefore, no attempt is made to extract residual particles of material from the tissues.

In the human mouth there are special organs - teeth. They are endowed with a specific shape and structure. They are classified into dairy and indigenous. There are 20 dairy organs, 32 indigenous organs. In rare cases, organs appear in excess of the set.

Each unit includes a crown, root and neck. The chewing organs are endowed with two or three roots with canals. On top of the crown there is enamel, which protects the chewing organs from injury and is considered a highly durable fabric human body.

Beneath the enamel lies porous and durable dentin. It surrounds the inside of the organ with a pulp containing blood vessels and a group of nerves that enter here from holes in the bone. Using these holes different sizes roots interact with blood and lymph.

All chewing organs have an individual configuration and design, among them there are unique ones called wisdom teeth. The number of roots in each unit is related to its position and purpose. With a heavy load, the holding means will be stronger.

How many roots does each tooth have?

The root is located under the gum, below the surface of the neck and makes up approximately 70% of the organ. The number of chewing organs and the roots present on them is not identical. A system has been developed according to which they find out how many roots there are, for example, the 6th tooth on top or a wisdom tooth.

How many roots do adult teeth have? Their number in each chewing unit depends not only on its position, but also on hereditary factors, a person’s age, and race. Mongoloids and Negroids have one more root than Caucasians, and they grow together more often.

Dentists numbered each chewing organ. If you visually dissect the jaw vertically so that the section line passes through the middle of the skull, then to the left and right of it there will be central incisors. From this area the organs are numbered towards the ears. If we adhere to this principle of classification, then the root system of the chewing organs of an adult individual is as follows.

  • #1 and #2 are called incisors, #3 are canines, and #4 and #5 are called molars. They grow on the upper and lower jaws and are endowed with one cone-shaped root.
  • No. 6 – 7 and No. 8, located at the top, are called large molars and wisdom teeth. Each of them has three bases. These same units, but present on the lower jaw, can have two roots, except for organ No. 8. He has three, and in some cases four.

This information relates to the root system of adults. What about children, what is the number of roots in baby teeth, do they even exist? Many people think that baby teeth do not have teeth at all. It is not true. They have bases ranging from one to three, with their help the organs cling to the jaw, however, by the time they fall out, the roots disappear, giving rise to the erroneous opinion that they did not exist at all.

How many canals are there in teeth?

The number of canals in human teeth is not the same as the number of roots. There are two or three of them in the incisor, or maybe one, but dividing into two. Each person's dental root system is unique. The exact number of depressions is determined using an x-ray. No strict rules in dentistry have been established in this regard, and information on the number of channels is formed as a percentage.

The upper and lower organs are not similar to each other. The incisors and canines of the upper jaw have one depression each. The central incisors of the lower jaw are found to have two channels. In 70% of cases there is one, and in the remaining 30% there are two.

The second incisor of the lower jaw in 50% of adults has 2 canals, the lower canine in 6% of cases has 1, and in all other cases it is similar to the second incisor.

The fourth unit, also called the first premolar and located at the top, has three depressions. However, the 4th upper three-channel tooth is quite rare, in only 6% of people. In 9% of cases there is one, in other cases there are two. A similar four from below does not have more than two channels; more often in it it is found in the singular.

How many canals are there in the upper 5th tooth? The quintet, called the second premolar, has a relationship similar to that described above. At the top, units with three depressions are found in 1% of individuals, with two - in 24%, and in the rest - with one. At the bottom, the second premolar can most often be found with a single canal.

How many canals can be found in the 6th upper tooth? The six on the upper jaw may have three or four of them in the same proportion.

How many canals are there in the 6th lower tooth? At the bottom, sometimes there are sixes with two grooves, in 60% of cases - with three, in the rest we are talking about four-channel teeth.

How many canals are there in the 7th tooth? At the top of the jaw, in 70% of cases it is endowed with three grooves; in the remaining 30%, the tooth has 4 canals. In the bottom seven, the percentage ratio is similar.

Is the number of roots equal to the number of channels? No, that's not true. The latter have branches; they can bifurcate near the pulp. There are often 2 of them in one root.

In the area of ​​the apex they tend to bifurcate, then a pair of apexes is formed at the root.

Number of wisdom tooth canals

How many canals can be found in a wisdom tooth? Organ No. 8 is considered extraordinary. If the wisdom tooth is located at the top, it can have five indentations, and at the bottom - no more than three. In rare cases, there are more channels.

The number eight often causes its owner a lot of trouble. When a wisdom tooth begins to erupt, severe pain occurs. If it is positioned incorrectly, intense pain appears. To clean the wisdom tooth, it is recommended to use a special brush, since it is not easy to reach. In wisdom teeth, the recesses are often narrow and of irregular configuration, which makes it difficult to carry out therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations.

Why does a tooth need a nerve?

The contents of the dental canals are covered by a network of nerve fibers grouped into branches. Each base is endowed with a nerve branch, and often several at once; the branch can be divided at the top.

How many nerves are there in a molar tooth? This directly depends on the number of roots and canals present in it.

Nerve fibers influence the development and growth of teeth and ensure their sensitivity. The presence of nerves allows the masticatory organ to be not just a piece of bone, but a living organ.

Dental mathematics is very exciting. Compared to the cost of dental procedures, each molar is worth its weight in gold.

Each of us at least once asked ourselves questions about what the cavity of a molar is, how many roots and canals there are in it. What is their topography and anatomy? How many nerves are there in the cavity of the molar located on top, and how many in the one on the bottom? Working length of the root canal - what is it? These questions are also relevant for doctors, because the process of their treatment, restoration or removal depends on the number of canals and roots.

In dentistry, since 1971, there has been the so-called two-digit Viola system. According to it, the units of the upper and lower jaw of a person are divided into four quadrants, each of which has 8 teeth. Quadrants for adults are numbered as 1, 2, 3 and 4, and for children - numbers from 5 to 8 (see table). Therefore, if you suddenly hear from a dentist that you are undergoing medicinal root canal treatment of 46 or 36 units, do not be alarmed.

Each unit has its own individual structure. The number of canals and roots depends on where it is located and what function it performs. From this article you will learn what a dental cavity is and why it is affected by pulpitis. Also read about the concept of working length of the root canal. You will learn about methods for expanding dental cavities and their medicinal treatment, and see photos of three-channel pulpitis.

How does a human tooth work?

The elements of a human tooth can be divided into:

The crown is located above the gum and has a special coating called enamel. Under the enamel there is a durable layer of dentin, which in its structure resembles bone tissue.

The cavity of the tooth located inside the crown is called the “pulp”. It passes into a narrow canal of the tooth root, at the base of which there is a small hole. Nerve endings and blood vessels pass through it into the tooth cavity. Inflammation of the pulp is called pulpitis. It is an indication for opening the tooth cavity and cleaning the root canals. The most difficult thing to treat is pulpitis in the cavity of three-channel units (for example, in the sixth). In advanced cases, it is necessary to remove the tooth, and if it is also on top and in the last rows (6, 7 or 8), then this is also inconvenient.

The dental neck is located inside the gum. It does not have an enamel coating, but is protected by cement. The continuation of the tooth cavity is its root. It is located in the alveolus - a small cavity in the teeth. Its structure differs from the structure of the crown and neck. The enamel layer is absent, and dentin is permeated with collagen. Nerves and blood vessels pass through the root canal into the dental cavity.

Number of roots and canals in teeth

The number of channels differs from the number of root bases. The cavities of teeth such as incisors can have one, two or three canals. In order to accurately determine the number of these dental canals and their location, the doctor takes an x-ray of the patient. It helps him carry out the procedure of opening the tooth cavity more accurately.

Let's take a closer look at how many canals and roots there are in each cavity. What are the differences in their numbers on the upper and lower jaws?

On the upper jaw

According to the special dental numbering system for root teeth, their counting begins with the central incisors. The upper units, which are numbered from one to five, have one root each, 6, 7 and 8 have three roots.

In most cases, the upper incisors and canines each have one canal, the fourth unit (24th premolar) in 8% of patients has three canals, in other cases there are 2 or 1. Premolar number five (25) can have a different number of canals. In 1% of people this tooth is three-channel, in 24% it is two-channel, and in the rest it is single-channel. The sixth upper tooth (26th molar) may have three or four sockets (50:50 ratio). The seventh root in most cases (70%) has three channels, but can also have four channels (30%).

On the lower jaw

The lower units, from the first incisor to the fifth premolar, have one characteristic feature that unites them: they all have one cone-shaped root. Next come the “sixes” and “sevens” - they are two-root. The “eights” of the bottom row can have either 3 or four roots.

How many canals are there in the cavity of the lower teeth? So, in 30% of cases the central incisors have 2 recesses, in the remaining 70% - one each. The second incisor can be either single- or double-channel (50:50), the third canine in 7% of cases is single-channel. The 4th premolar is found mainly with one root cavity, but sometimes with two. The fifth premolar is mostly single-canal. In 60% of cases, the 36th molar (6th lower tooth) has three recesses, but there may be 2 or 4. The lower “seven” in 70% of cases has 3 canals, but there are also four.

Wisdom tooth and features of its anatomical structure

The outer eighth units of the lower and upper jaw are called wisdom teeth. The cavity of these teeth is often affected by pulpitis, since they erupt very fragile. These curved wisdom units have a unique anatomical structure of the tooth cavity.

They appear later than everyone else: at 20, and at 30, and even at 40 years old. The difference in their anatomical structure lies in the number of roots, which can be from two to five. These roots are quite crooked (see photo), therefore they cause many problems during treatment procedures, and especially during determination of the working length, expansion of canals and filling. The number of channels for “eights” can reach up to five.

How is root canal treatment performed?

An important step in the process of treating root cavities is determining the working length of these canals. Not everyone knows the definition of tooth root length. So, the working length of the root canal is the distance from the edge of the frontal units to the apical constriction preceding the apical foramen. There are several methods for determining the working length of the root canal. The most commonly used are the calculation method, x-ray and electrometric methods.

Endodontics treats tooth root canals. When an endodontist treats a root canal, he performs the manipulations in the following sequence:

Diagnostic methods

The first stage of tooth root canal treatment is diagnosis, which will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and decide on a treatment method. To do this, the patient needs to undergo an x-ray to examine the part of the crown that the doctor cannot see. This procedure allows you to understand how many roots and canals the tooth cavity has. If the X-ray examination is ignored, then the cavity of the diseased tooth will have to be opened again.

Preparatory procedures

After the X-ray of the dental cavity has been carefully studied, the diagnosis has been made, and the stages of the upcoming therapy have been planned, it is necessary to tell the patient about everything in detail. Next, you need to obtain documented consent for the opening and further treatment of the tooth cavity.

An important point in preparing for root cavity treatment is for the doctor to obtain information about the presence of allergic reactions in the patient to anesthetics. If such information is not available, an allergy test is performed. At this stage, chemical treatment of the instruments with which the manipulations will be performed is carried out.

Administration of anesthesia and application of anesthetic

Before treatment begins, the patient is anesthetized in the area of ​​the jaw where the intervention will be performed. Anesthesia can be superficial or in the form of an injection. The first type of anesthesia blocks sensitivity not only in the dental cavity, but also on the mucous membrane. It is usually used to numb the area where the doctor is about to inject an anesthetic.

The following drugs are used for superficial anesthesia:

Opening a molar tooth

What is the opening of a tooth cavity? In order to remove the pulp and clean the root canals, the dentist needs to provide good access to them. Opening the tooth cavity can begin immediately after grinding the caries and removing sawdust from the dentin. The process of opening the tooth cavity begins with the smallest bur, after which a large spherical one is used.

Medicinal treatment of canals

Canal treatment is divided into mechanical (scraping out the contents using special tools) and chemical (medicinal treatment of root canals with disinfectants injected with a thin needle). Today, the following scheme for medicinal treatment of the root canal is used: sodium hypochloride is applied after using each instrument and completing mechanical cleaning, then hydrogen peroxide, and after that distilled water. Drug treatment of root canals is carried out immediately after the opening of the dental cavity is completed.

Sealing

The final stage of tooth root canal treatment is sealing the cavity. The root cavities are filled with a special filling material (usually gutta-percha). The filling helps the tooth remain strong and prevents pathogenic bacteria from entering its cavity.

Filling a tooth cavity can be:

Prevention of root canal diseases

For ideal “order” in the oral cavity you need:

  • take proper care of it;
  • use high-quality instruments and oral hygiene products;
  • visit the dentist twice a year;
  • after each meal, rinse your mouth with water;
  • quit smoking and alcohol;
  • reduce the amount of coffee and tea consumed;
  • Healthy food.

Once I went to the dentist to have a tooth treated, in the end they pulled it out and said that the dentition was incorrect. That there should be 3 roots in a tooth, but I have 2. The doctors were mistaken, the root remained in the gum. I got it with my own strength. And they didn’t even deign to double-check everything. Just like that...

How many canals are there in the 5th, 6th, 7th and other teeth of the upper and lower jaw, what is the length

Teeth differ from each other in shape, structure, and number of roots. The space inside the root is called the root canal. The number of roots has a relationship with the load that falls on the tooth, but the number of canals in the tooth does not have a direct relationship with the number of roots. And even in the same tooth different people number of channels may vary.

The key to quality endodontic treatment is precise definition tooth canals: their number, length, shape.

Typically, the deeper a tooth is in the mouth, the more canals it has. The number of canals of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws differs: upper teeth there are more of them.

A preliminary assessment of the number of canals in a tooth is carried out according to the table (the probability of a certain number of roots depending on the location of the tooth):

Thus, the canals of the 24th tooth (the left quad on the upper jaw) in 85% of cases are determined by the number 2. That is. This tooth usually has only two canals. But 9% of people can only have 1 channel, and 6% have 3 channels. On the other hand, the “seven” of the lower jaw most often (77%) has 3 canals in the teeth. We can judge with the greatest confidence how many canals there are in the front tooth on the upper jaw - only 1.

It is statistically impossible to answer the question of how many canals there are in a wisdom tooth: for the upper ones, the number varies from one to five, for the lower ones – about three.

The exact number can only be found out when opening the tooth or based on the results of radiography (targeted, for a specific tooth, or orthopantogram, to assess the condition of all teeth).

The length of the canals of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw

To carry out high-quality endodontic treatment, it is important to know the length of the dental canal. The length of the tooth canals (the table below) depends on the size of the tooth itself. Determining such parameters is possible in several ways.

The initial preliminary assessment is carried out in a tabular manner ( average length canal and its variability in mm depending on the tooth formula):

Sometimes the length of the tooth canals can be determined from an x-ray, but the x-ray image in most cases does not reflect the true dimensions.

With an accuracy of 60-97%, the length is determined electrometrically (by changes in the electrical resistance of tissues) using an apex locator.

The tactile method is based on slowly immersing the probe into the canal until it jams.

According to the patient’s sensations (a slight “prick” when moving the instrument past the root apex), during treatment without anesthesia, the length of the canal is also determined approximately.

Using a combination of several approaches is effective.

Patency of dental canals

Besides number and length important information is the patency of the root canals, which depends on the degree and location of the curvature. If the curvature is less than 25 degrees, then the canal is instrumentally accessible, from 25 to 50 degrees it is difficult to access (the so-called difficult tooth canals), and over 50 degrees it is inaccessible. When the curvature is localized near the mouth of the canal, it is possible to expand the latter and improve patency.

If the examination reveals a too narrow, deep canal in the tooth, a CT scan may be required to clarify its configuration. Treatment of complex teeth requires particularly painstaking work, which can be made easier with the help of a microscope.

Sometimes the doctor cannot find the canal in the tooth. This situation is usually associated with obliteration (narrowing or overgrowing) of the canals due to inflammatory or tumor process, incorrect treatment in the past, age-related changes.

Remember that only a specialist can assess the condition of the root canals and, depending on their structural features, determine treatment tactics.

5 upper tooth how many channels

How many canals are there in human teeth, features of the anatomical structure

A beautiful smile is fashionable. Therefore, great attention is paid to dental health these days. Unfortunately, not everyone can boast of their impeccable appearance, although modern dental developments can bring them as close to ideal as possible.

In our article we will not talk about this. We will discuss the anatomical structure of the human tooth, a diagram of which is given on our website.

Molars are the only human organ that does not regenerate on its own. That is why they need to be protected and regularly monitored for any changes in their condition. It is not without reason that regular examinations by a dentist every 6 months are recommended.

Molars require careful care

If we consider it enlarged, then each molar, a photo of which can be seen on our website, consists of a crown and root part. The crown part - the one that is located above the gum level, is covered on top with the strongest tissue in the human body - enamel, which protects its softer inner layer - dentin, which is the basis of the tooth.

Despite its strength and reliability, enamel is incredibly susceptible to external influences. Its condition can be disturbed by poor care and bad habits, and heredity. Pathogenic bacteria enter cracks in the enamel, causing intense tissue destruction. A person develops a carious process that also affects dentin.

If left untreated, the infection penetrates into the root part, acute pulpitis and other equally dangerous ailments develop.

As for the structure of the root part. then its main elements are arteries, veins and nerve fibers that supply the tooth. They are located in the pulp of the root canal and through the apical foramen are connected to the main neurovascular bundle.

The dentin below the gum level is covered with cement, which is collagen fibers attached to the periodontium. The roots of human teeth, as the photo illustrates them very well, are hidden in the alveoli - peculiar recesses of the jaw bone.

Any defeat requires its complete removal. A broken root cannot be restored.

The structure of the jaw and molars of an adult deserves a separate section. This will be discussed below.

When visiting a dental office, we hear different names that are unfamiliar to our ears and, sometimes, we don’t even understand what they are talking about. This section is intended to help you understand what human teeth are called so that, if necessary, you can learn to understand the extent of the dental problems you have.

So, in the mouth we have:

  • Central and lateral incisors;
  • Fangs;
  • Premolars or small molars;
  • Molars or large molars.

In order to indicate their position on the upper and lower jaws, in dental practice The so-called dental formula is used. according to which the numbers of primary teeth are written in Latin numerals, and the numbers of primary teeth are written in Arabic numerals.

With a full set of teeth in an adult, the dental formula will be as follows: 87654321 / 123465678. A total of 32 pieces.

On each side there are 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars. Molars also include wisdom teeth, which are the last to grow. As a rule, after 20 years. As for children.

then their dental formula will have a different appearance. After all, there are only 20 baby teeth.

But we’ll talk about this a little later, and now we’ll look at the structure of incisors, canines, premolars and molars, and also discuss their differences.

Features of the structure of the upper teeth

The smile zone includes central and lateral incisors, canines and premolars. Molars are called chewing teeth because their main purpose is to chew food. Each one looks different.

So, the ones are the central incisors. Their crown part is thickened and slightly flattened, they have one long root. The two lateral incisors also have a similar shape. They, like the central incisors, have three tubercles on the cutting edge from which three pulp spurs extend along the dental canal.

The canines are shaped like the teeth of an animal. They have a pointed edge, a convex shape and only one tubercle on their cutting part. First and second premolars. or, as dentists call them, the four and five are very similar in appearance, the difference is only in the size of their buccal surface and in the structure of the root.

Next come the molars. Six has the largest coronal part size. It looks like an impressively sized rectangle, and the chewing surface in its shape resembles another geometric figure - a rhombus. Six has 3 roots - one palatal and two buccal.

The seven differs from the six in slightly smaller sizes and different fissure structures. But the eight or, as popularly known, wisdom teeth do not even grow in everyone. Its classic shape should be the same as that of ordinary molars, and its root resembles a powerful trunk.

The upper wisdom teeth are considered the most capricious.

They can begin to disturb a person even at the stage of their eruption, and when removed they can create a difficult situation due to their twisted and twisted roots. Their antagonists are located on the opposite jaw. Our next section will be devoted to them.

Features of the structure of the lower teeth

The photo conveys quite accurately what human teeth and fangs are made of, as well as their appearance. From it one can judge that the structure of the teeth in the lower jaw is completely different from their structure in the upper jaw. Let's consider this point in more detail.

The teeth of the lower jaw have the same names as the upper jaw, but their structure will be slightly different.

The central incisors are the smallest in size. They have a small flat root and 3 faint tubercles. The lateral incisor is larger than the central one by only a few millimeters. He also has a very small size, narrow crown and small flat root.

The lower canines are similar in shape to their antagonists, but they are narrower and slightly tilted back.

The first premolar on the lower jaw has a rounded shape, a flat and flattened root, and also some bevel towards the tongue.

The second premolar is slightly larger than the first due to more developed tubercles and the presence of a horseshoe-shaped fissure between them.

The first molar, that is, the lower six, has the most cusps. Its fissure resembles the letter Z, in addition, it has as many as 2 roots. One of them has one channel, and the second has two. The second and third molars are very similar in shape to the first.

They are distinguished only by the number of tubercles and fissures located between them, which, especially on the figure eight, can have a bizarre shape.

Milk teeth are the predecessors of molars. They begin to appear in the first year of a baby’s life and, as a rule, the lower central incisor is the first to pierce the gums. Many parents remember the period of teething with a shudder. They cause so much suffering to the little ones. This process is not fast - it is extended over time.

From the appearance of the first tooth to the last it can take two, or even two and a half years.

The average three-year-old toddler has a full set of 20 teeth in his mouth. The child will walk with them until he is 11–12 years old. But they will begin to change to the original ones from the age of 5–7 years.

Parents keep photos of toothless school-age children in family albums. But let’s return to what it is like, the structure of baby teeth in children. Let's start with their shape.

It will be approximately the same as for permanent ones.

The only difference will be their small size and snow-white color. However, the degree of mineralization of their enamel and dentin is weak, so they are more susceptible to caries. Therefore, caring for them must be regular and thorough.

The structure of a baby tooth is also distinguished by a large volume of pulp, which is incredibly susceptible to inflammation. That is why in children, caries quickly turns into pulpitis.

Baby teeth do not have long roots. In addition, they do not sit tightly in the periodontal tissue. This greatly simplifies the process of replacing them with permanent ones. Although for children the process of removing them is always stressful.

Teeth are considered one of the most complex systems in our body. Their significance for our full life invaluable. Therefore, you need to start taking care of their condition and health from an early age. And make it a rule to visit the dentist every six months.

Number of roots and canals in human teeth

Most of the oral cavity is occupied by organs whose main function is to chew and grind food into smaller pieces.

This promotes its complete digestion and better absorption of nutrients. A tooth is an organ that has a characteristic shape and consists of several parts.

In dentistry, the outer visible part is called the crown, and the inner part is called the root. The element connecting the crown and root is the neck.

An interesting fact is that, unlike a crown, a tooth can have more than one root. How many roots a tooth has, as a rule, depends on the location and purpose of the organ. In addition, its structure and number of roots are influenced by hereditary factors. The situation can only be definitively clarified with the help of an x-ray.

The article provides detailed information about how many roots there are in the frontal, lateral chewing teeth, as well as the number eight, or the so-called wisdom tooth. In addition, you can find out what the purpose of the tooth root is, why the chewing units need nerves. The dental advice provided in the following material will help prevent the development of dental diseases.

Number of roots in human teeth

The tooth root is located in the inner part of the gum. This invisible part makes up about 70% of the entire organ. There is no clear answer to the question: how many roots does this or that organ have, since their number is individual for each individual patient.

Factors influencing the number of roots include:

  1. organ location;
  2. the degree of load on it, functional features(chewing, frontal);
  3. heredity;
  4. patient's age;
  5. race.

Additional Information! The root system of representatives of the Negroid and Mongoloid races is somewhat different from the European one; it is more branched, which, in fact, is the reason for the larger number of roots and canals.

Developed by dentists special system numbering of teeth, thanks to which it is almost impossible even for a non-specialist to get confused in the units of the upper and lower dentition. To understand the principle of numbering, you need to mentally divide the skull in half vertically.



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