Dimensional correlation between morphology and root canal anatomy in mesiobuccal root of permanent maxillary first molar: An ex vivo study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to establish a correlation between morphology and root canal anatomy of mesiobuccal (MB) root of the permanent maxillary first molar using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and stereomicroscope. Methodology: Access cavities were prepared on sixty permanent maxillary first molars. Efforts were made to locate MB second (MB2) canals without magnification and with magnification using methylene blue dye and ultrasonic troughing. The number of teeth possessing MB2 canal with both methods was recorded. Thereafter, the MB root was resected and observed under CBCT. The MB root was then sectioned at different levels and observed under stereomicroscope. Both the methods were used to assess the number of canals and root forms which were classified as long oval, oval, and round. The data thus obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Z-test. Results: Clinical techniques such as magnification, dyes, and troughing were found to be more efficient in the detection of MB2 canals as compared to unaided techniques. As observed with CBCT and stereomicroscope, the incidence of MB2 canal was significantly more in coronal as compared to middle and apical, and a statistical correlation between root form and number of canals was observed. Conclusion: Majority of the MB roots were long oval and oval in axial section and the incidence of finding MB2 in long oval and oval root forms was found to be greater as compared to round root form, although it is not necessary that all long oval or oval roots shall have two or more canals.