Abstract
Objective: To know the prevalence three-rooted mandibular first molars in a Saudi Arabian population by using CBCT. Material and Methods: A total of 428 CBCT scans in the database of the College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were analyzed. All well-developed permanent mandibular first molars were analyzed for the presence of extra root in three dimensions and the reconstructed volumetric images by two qualified and experienced observers. The total incidence, distribution and comparison regarding gender, bilateral and unilateral appearance, and the side of occurrences of these permanent three-rooted mandibular first molars were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The CBCT scans of 14 subjects had three rooted mandibular first molars with a prevalence of 3.27%. The prevalence in males and females was 2.96% respectively, with no significant differences between genders (p=0.865). The frequency of bilateral three-rooted mandibular first molars was 1.16%, with unilateral frequencies of 1.40% and 0.70% on the right and left sides, respectively. No significant relationship between sides (p=0.981) and the bilateral prevalence of three-rooted mandibular first molars (p=0.668) was observed. Conclusion: Dental practitioners must be aware of the fact that though it is rare, an extra or third root can be present in mandibular first molars and CBCT can aid in accurate diagnosis of the presence of third root.
Highlights
One of the main reasons for failure of root canal treatment is lack of understanding the anatomy of a tooth
Dental practitioners must be aware of the fact that though it is rare, an extra or third root can be present in mandibular first molars and Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can aid in accurate diagnosis of the presence of third root
Mandibular molars commonly have two roots, the existence of an extra or third root is a significant anatomic variant and this extra root in permanent mandibular molars can be present on the lingual side, which is called as radix entomolaris or on the facial aspect which is termed as radix paramolaris [3]
Summary
One of the main reasons for failure of root canal treatment is lack of understanding the anatomy of a tooth. The awareness and understanding of mandibular molar morphological variations is very essential for the dental practitioner to achieve the successful endodontic therapy [1]. The permanent mandibular first molar might exhibit variations in the number number, location of roots and root canals. Changes in the normal anatomy of roots in the mandibular molar may be recognized by careful radiographic interpretation. Interpretation of specific characteristics like non distinct outline of the distal or mesial root contour or the root canal can hint the existence of a third root [4]
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