Root canal anatomy and morphology evaluation of mandibular molars according to gender by cone-beam computed tomography in Iranian population

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate anatomy and morphology of mandibular permanent molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a selected Iranian population.Methods and Materials: CBCT images of 638 first and second mandibular molars (322 of males and 316 of females) were included in this in vitro study. Number of roots and root canals, Vertucci’s configuration of each root, radix paramolaris (RP), radix entomolaris (RE), and C-shaped canals were determined in both genders. Data were analyzed by Pearson-Chi square test using SPSS (V.22) software (P = 0.05).Results: The most common configuration of distal roots were type I for both genders. Among 266 first molars, 97.3% teeth had two roots, 0.75% had RP and 1.87% had RE. All RP and RE were type I. C-shaped canals were found in 1.12% teeth and all were in male population, significantly at the left side (P=0.045). Among 372 second molars, 94.08% had two roots, 0.53% had RP and 0.26% had RE. The prevalent canal configuration of mesial roots was type III (52.96%) with significant difference between right (P=0.006) and left (P=0.049). C-shaped canals were found in 5.64% of second molars and more specifically detected in male group. Significant difference was observed between two genders in the right (P=0.024) and the left (P=0.009).Conclusion: Vertucci’s type III and type II were the most prevalent configurations in mesial roots while for distal roots the predominant configuration was type I. RE, RP, and C-shaped channels were not common in mandibular molars between Iranian population and their prevalence were higher among male population.