Evaluation of the association between the number and configuration of root canals of mandibular molars in an Iranian subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the number and configuration of root canals of mandibular first and second molars in an Iranian subpopulation residing in Qazvin city using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, 500 CBCT scans of patients taken for purposes other than this study were retrieved from a radiology clinic in Qazvin city, Iran. The number of roots and canals and the morphology of the root canals of 129 mandibular first and 198 mandibular second molars were studied on CBCT scans. The data were analyzed using the Monte Carlo test. Results: Most of the first (96.1%) and second (81.8%) molars had two roots. The frequency of three-rooted mandibular first molars was 3.9%. The mesial and distal roots of the mandibular first molars were mainly Vertucci's Type II (62.1%) and Type I (57.4%), respectively. In the second molars, Vertucci's Type II (61.9%) and Type I (92.3%) had the highest frequency in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. A significant association was noted between the presence of three canals and Vertucci's Type II configuration and between the presence of four canals and Vertucci's Type IV in the mesial root of the mandibular first and second molars (P Conclusion: There is a significant association between the number of canals and configuration of the mesial root canal of the mandibular first and second molars.