Evaluation of artificial monoradicular teeth used for endodontic training

Abstract Introduction It is a challenge of pre-clinical teaching in Endodontics to provide students with artificial teeth that reproduce the internal and external morphology of human teeth. Objective To compare the internal and external morphology of single-rooted artificial teeth with data from the literature on human teeth. Material and method The artificial teeth were donated from two companies: Fábrica de Sorrisos, company A, (n=20) and IM do Brasil Ltda, company B (n=20). Measurement of total tooth length, root, height, buccal-palatal and mesio-distal crown dimensions with digital caliper was performed. The morphological description of the roots, crown and pulp chamber was performed, the last one only after access. The topographic location of the main apical foramen was evaluated after canal exploration with a K #15 endodontic instrument until it visually reached the root apex. The data were arranged in a spreadsheet and statistical analysis was performed (ANOVA, followed by the Tukey post-test (α=5%)). Result Regarding the morphometric parameters, the upper canine sample from company B presented all variables within the standards described in the literature. Regarding internal and external morphology, the sample of upper lateral incisors from Company A was the only one to present all variables within the standards described in the literature. Regarding the foraminal topographic location, the teeth of Company A, as well as the lower canine of company B, showed a tendency to the distalized and centralized position, in line with the literature. Conclusion none of the artificial teeth studied showed total morphological and morphometric similarity with the control, differing in at least one of the variables, and a review of their models is indicated to the manufacturers.