Comparison of Dentin Microstructure and Its Correlation to the Direction of Fracture Line in Mandibular Molars of Young and Older Individuals: In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the presence and extent of sclerotic dentin and to study its impact on the direction of fracture lines in extracted mandibular first molars of young (20-44 years) and older age groups (45 and older).

Methods: Extracted permanent mandibular first molars were collected along with the related demographic details. A total of 40 teeth were included in this study, 20 each from young age group (YA group) (20-44 years) and older age group (OA group) (45-70 years).