PubMed · 3333822
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
P Varvaki, J san Pedro. 1987. [Pulp calcifications].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3333822/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Extensive calcification of the pulp is a pathologic condition that occurs as an answer to various factors (trauma, caries, periodontal disease). The increase in the amount of calcification may lead to partial or complete radiographic, but not microscopic, obliteration of the pulp chamber and root canals. Complete calcific degeneration (pulpal obliteration) may be found in two forms, generalized or localized. The generalized form which is presented in the present case report is probably part of the aging process.
A survey was sent to all 525 (domestic) Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics. It inquired as to the interpretation of the findings of radiographic pulpal calcifications (RPC) and how it might impact on treatment. The response to the question of pathological significance of RPC was divided equally between those who felt it was a sign of pathosis and those who did not. The remaining seven questions were overwhelmingly agreed upon: RPC are important findings included in differential diagnosis; nonsurgical root canal treatment was routinely attempted regardless of the extent of RPC; patients were informed prior to treatment of potential obstacles; and as a rule diplomates devote no more than 10% of their practice to surgical endodontics.
Clinically, the apparent radiographic diameter size does not always seem to correspond to the true canal size. The objective of this study was to compare canal size on periapical radiographs with the actual canal diameter as determined histologically. Periapical radiographs were exposed on 36 teeth on 5 human cadavers. Mesial-to-distal boundaries of canals were measured in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. The teeth were extracted, the roots histologically processed, and cross-sections made in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Measured values of diameter from radiographs were compared with true canal widths as measured from the corresponding level of histological sections by using a correlated t test. All sections of all roots demonstrated a canal histologically, although some regions had no canal visible radiographically. In general, there was statistically no difference (p less than 0.001) between the histological and radiographic measurements even when pulpal calcifications were present. However, in some roots there were marked discrepancies between radiographs and histological sections as to canal diameter.