A SEM investigation of accessory foramina in the furcation areas of primary molars.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and anatomic characteristics of accessory foramina in the external and internal furcation areas of primary molars. Sixty human primary molars were divided into two equal groups. The teeth of the experimental group showed in previous radiographic examination the presence of a radiolucency area confined to the inter-radicular region, while the teeth of the control group had no sign of pulpal inflammation in the clinical and/or radiographic examination. The specimens were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The external furcation area (EFA) showed a higher prevalence of accessory foramina than the internal furcation area (IFA) (P<0.05). However, the comparison between the two groups did not show statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The presence of accessory canals should not be considered the only reason for inter-radicular pathological bone resorption following pulpal necrosis in deciduous molars.