Abstract
Objectives This study is aimed at investigating the root and root canal morphology by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and palatal furcation groove of the buccal root by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) of maxillary first premolars in a Chinese subpopulation. Methods This study assessed CBCT images of 440 patients aged 14-80 years. Based on Vertucci's classification, the number of roots and the canal configuration were determined. Forty-eight maxillary first premolars with furcation grooves were analyzed by micro-CT in patients aged 18-25 years. Results Based on the CBCT assay, 70.22% and 29.32% of maxillary first premolars were 1 root and 2 roots, respectively. The configuration indicated statistical difference (P < 0.05) between male and female patients. The most common canal type was type IV and was found in 44.32% of cases, followed by type I in 27.84%, and then type II in 20.57%. Root bifurcations had 40.13% prevalence which was distributed more in the middle third than in the cervical and the apical third. For the micro-CT study, 95.83% of the furcation groove configuration was found in the bifurcated maxillary first premolars. The length varied from 1.02 to 7.63 mm. The mean depth of this groove was 0.57 mm in the root coronal, 0.47 mm in the root middle, and 0.22 mm in the root apical level. Palatal dentin width was smaller than 1 mm. Conclusion The anatomy of the root and root canal system and the irregular wall width of maxillary first premolars with furcation grooves may help dentists to understand the anatomical morphology and improve the outcomes of endodontic treatment.
Highlights
Teeth play a crucial role in performing the mastication function
For palatal furcation grooves using the micro-CT technique, 48 extracted maxillary first premolars from the adolescent population were used, and they were cleaned in 3% hydrogen peroxide
The frequency distribution of the root number was indicated as 1 root, 2 roots, and 3 roots (Figure 3) in maxillary first premolars, with the corresponding prevalence of 70.22%, 29.32%, and 0.46%, respectively (Table 1)
Summary
Teeth play a crucial role in performing the mastication function. Tooth morphology is an essential part of stomatology. It is vital to understand and to master the appearance and the internal structure of human teeth in various fields for stomatology. Recognition of the possible changes in the root and root canal anatomy of teeth may reduce the possibility of overlooking the root canal system during treatment [1]. Maxillary first premolars exhibit a complicated root anatomy, such as bifurcated roots, narrow furcation entrance, deep mesial concavities, and complicated canal configurations according to Vertucci’s classification. These morphological changes may affect the results of root canal therapy and periapical surgery. Lack of understanding of teeth morphological variability and complex anatomy may lead to procedural accidents [2,3,4]
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