Investigação da prevalência de imagens radiográficas sugestivas de variação da anatomia interna em pré-molares inferiores

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the presence of radiographic signs indicative of anatomical variations, aiming to document the prevalence of images suggestive of internal anatomical alterations in mandibular premolars among patients treated at the Department of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (DOD/UFRN). Methodology: A total of 141 radiographs obtained at DOD/UFRN were evaluated, focusing on the identification of specific features such as discontinuity, decentralization, abrupt narrowing of the radiolucent image of the root canal, and lateral longitudinal lines. The images were examined by a single, previously calibrated examiner. Data were organized in Google Sheets and analyzed using SPSS Statistics IBM 25 software. The chi-square test was applied to identify statistical associations between categorical variables (sex and ethnicity) and the radiographic indicators suggestive of internal anatomical variations. Results: Ethnicity did not show statistical relevance; however, the female sex (33.3%) was significantly associated with the presence of discontinuity and abrupt narrowing of the root canal in both premolars. Of the 141 teeth analyzed, 62 were first mandibular premolars (1PMI) and 79 were second mandibular premolars (2PMI). Abrupt narrowing was observed in 48.2% (n=40) of 1PMI and 51.8% (n=41) of 2PMI. Longitudinal lines were present in 71.4% (n=10) of 1PMI and 28.6% (n=2) of 2PMI. Canal discontinuity was observed in 52.3% (n=46) of 2PMI, with the remainder in 1PMI. Canal decentralization was exclusively found in 1PMI. Conclusion: There was greater statistical significance for anatomical variation indicators in 1PMI, particularly in relation to longitudinal lines and decentralization. Female sex showed greater relevance in the criteria of discontinuity and abrupt narrowing, while ethnicity did not demonstrate statistical expressiveness due to incomplete patient records.