Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence of C-shaped canals in lower molars (first and second molars) in a Chilean subpopulation, and to identify root configuration and demographic characteristics using cone beam tomography. Materials and method: 912 molars (456 first and 456 second molars) resulting from the analysis of 228 mandibular CBCT scans (89 men and 139 women between 15 and 80 years old) were evaluated. Through panoramic reconstruction and axial tomographic sections, the root configuration was established, and the presence and type of C-shaped canal were classified, analyzing 5 levels along the root canal. Data were statistically analyzed with a 5% significance level. Results: Of the 912 molars analyzed, 69 were classified as C-shaped (7.57%), constituting 65.72% of those molars that presented fused roots. 100% of this configuration of canals was observed in lower second molars, presenting a higher prevalence in women (n = 49, 71.01%). 40.82% of the cases that presented a C-shaped configuration manifested bilaterally. The most frequent C-shaped canal configuration was C3 (n = 347, 66.10%), according to Melton's classification. Conclusion: The C-shaped canals in the studied population were observed entirely in lower second molars, showing a clear predilection for the female sex and a high rate of bilaterality. Keywords Anatomy; Cone beam computed tomography; Dental pulp cavity; Endodontics.
Highlights
[2] This root canal configuration is most prevalent in lower second molars, it can be found with its own anatomical characteristics in lower first molars, upper molars, and lower premolars with less frequency. [3,4]
Retroalveolar radiographs, which are very useful in routine endodontic treatment, do not provide enough information regarding this type of canal configuration, because they are two-dimensional images that frequently present an over-projection of structures. [6]
There is currently little information regarding the prevalence, configuration and demographic characteristics of this type of canal configuration in South America, except in Brazilian populations, making it impossible to extrapolate the available data to other South American countries
Summary
One of the main problems of this type of configuration is the thickness of the root walls due to the high risk of perforation that may present during endodontic treatment. The greatest area of risk is the mesiolingual wall, which constitutes the area of less thickness, especially in the apical third [1,5], meaning it is a high-risk area during biomechanical preparation of the canal system. The complexity of this type of configuration requires the use of complementary imaging exams that allow for better analysis and planning of the case. The objective of this study is to perform a retrospective tomographic analysis to assess the prevalence, configuration, and bilaterality of C-shaped canals in the lower molars of a Chilean subpopulation
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