Eur Endod J. Ahead of Print: EEJ-20981 | DOI: 10.14744/eej.2024.20981
Controversial terminology in root and canal anatomy: A comprehensive review
Hany Mohamed Aly Ahmed1, Ali Keleş2, Thomas Gerhard Wolf3, Venkateshbabu Nagendrababu4, Henry F Duncan5, Ove Andreas Peters6, Paul M H Dummer71Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Bolu, Türkiye
3Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
4Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
5University of Sharjah, College of Dental Medicine, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Sharjah, UAE
6Division of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
7School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4006, Australia
8School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Discipline-specific terminology is a central element of the vocabulary used by dentists and scientists in the context of their professional activities and plays a critical role in the understanding of dentistry. A number of controversial terms and non-standardized definitions exist in the field of endodontology. For example, in root and canal anatomy, variations exist in the definitions of root morphology (including apical bifurcation, fusion and dilaceration), pulp chamber anatomy (including the outline of the floor, pulp horns and location of the root canal orifice), apical root canal bifurcations, canal isthmuses, accessory canals and apical foramen. This narrative review provides a critical analysis of a range of controversial terms currently used to describe root and canal anatomy. It also addresses the consequences of using such controversial terms on the accuracy and reliability of research findings and clinical practice. (EEJ-2024-07-119)
Keywords: Controversial, pulp chamber, root canal anatomy, terminology
Corresponding Author: Hany Mohamed Aly Ahmed
Manuscript Language: English