Análise clínica do diâmetro do forame dos molares de acordo com a faixa etária e diagnóstico pulpar e perirradicular

Introduction: The understanding of the characteristics of the foraminal diameter contributes to the work of the clinician because it allows a selection of the appropriate instruments for the root canals preparation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the foraminal diameter, in vivo, in upper and lower molar canals and to verify an influence of factors such as age group and pulp and periradicular diagnosis. Methods: 150 root canals of 48 upper and lower first and second molars, were divided into groups according to age group: A1 - Under 15 years old; A2 - 16 to 34 years old and A3 - 34 to 50 years old, and according to the diagnosis: Irreversible pulpitis; pulp necrosis and pulp necrosis with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. K files were inserted up to the actual tooth length for a foraminal anatomical instrument selection (FAI). The initial diameter of the tip (D0) of the FAI was considered for the determination of foraminal diameter. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with three criteria and for multiple comparisons the Tukey test was used. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the interaction between age group and diagnosis (p <0.001), with the teeth of younger patients (A1) with irreversible pulpitis having larger diameters. Furthermore, it was found that, regardless of age and diagnosis, the diameter was significantly influenced by the type of tooth / canal (p <0.001). Conclusion: The foraminal diameter can vary according to the type of tooth / root canal, with age and diagnosis also influencing the results when analyzed concomitantly.