Criteria for Classification of Inter-Radicular Septum Shape in Maxillary Molars with Clinical Importance for Immediate Implant Placemen

Objective: To explore the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography to evaluate morphometric properties of the Inter-Radicular Septum in maxillary first and second molar region. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2023. Methodology: Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans of 177 patients, recruited via consecutive sampling technique were obtained and analyzed using NEWTOM software. Patients falling in the age range of 18-65 years, having first and second maxillary molars were included. The Inter-Radicular Septum morphometric properties of maxillary first and second molars were evaluated in coronal and axial plane. Inter-Radicular Septum widths and areas of M1 and M2 were compared at different levels by applying ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis test based upon data normality Results: Out of 177 patients, 118(66.7%) were males, while 59(33.3%) were females with mean age 40.49±1.33 years. Frequency of arrow shape of molars (M1&M2) was highest [119(67.2%) and 136(76.8%) respectively]. Mean difference of Inter-Radicular Septum widths across all levels was significantly varied with respect to shapes of Molar 1 and Molar 2 as well (p<0.05). Boat shape of molar 1 & 2 had greatest furcation angle (60.14+12.85 and 56.12+11.01 respectively) and the mean difference was significant across different IRS shapes (p<0.001 and p=0.034 respectively). Inter-Radicular Septum surface area required for implant placement was most prominent in buccal convergence shape in maxillary first molar and boat shape in maxillary second molar. Conclusion: Cone Beam Computed Tomography image analysis can serve as a ..