Radix entomolaris in the permanent mandibular first molars of davangere children: A prevalence study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of radix entomolaris (RE) in permanent mandibular first molars among the Davangere children, India, using periapical radiographs. Materials and Methods: A total of 199 (94 boys and 105 girls) patient's bilateral periapical radiographs were examined using magnifying lens. The prevalence, gender distribution, and symmetry of RE were recorded and analyzed using the Chi-squared test. Results: The prevalence of RE in permanent mandibular first molars was 4.5% for all patients examined and 2.5% for all teeth evaluated. The prevalence of RE seen in boys was 6.38% (6 of 94), and in females, it was 2.85% (3 of 105) which is statistically found insignificant (P = 1.232). Eight cases occurred unilaterally, and only one case of bilateral presence of RE was found. Among unilateral cases, 7 teeth showed the presence of RE on the left side, and only in one case, RE was present on the right side. This was found statistically highly significant (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Awareness of the high racial prevalence of RE (an unusual root variation) in permanent mandibular first molars among Davangere children is highly essential before and during the root canal treatment to achieve successful treatment outcome.