Use of cone-beam computed tomography to evaluate root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in Turkish individuals

S Demirbuga,Yo Zorba,Ae Sekerci,An Dincer,M Cayabatmaz

doi:10.4317/medoral.18473

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Study design: CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 823) and second molar (n = 925) teeth from 605 Turkish patients were analyzed. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. Results: The majority of mandibular molars (95.8% of first molars, 85.4% of second molars) had two separate roots; however, three roots were identified in 2.06% of first molars and 3.45% of second molars. C-shaped canals occurred 0.85% of first molars and 4.1% of second molars. Three canals were found in 79.9% of first molars and 72.8% of second molars. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal. The most common root morphology of first and second molars is the two rooted morphology with three canals. Both the mesial and distal roots showed wide variations in canal anatomy with type IV and type I canal configuration predominating in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. Conclusion: Vertucci type I and IV canal configurations were the most prevalent in the distal and mesial roots, respectively, of both the mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth. Key words:Cone-beam CT, Turkish, mandibular molars, root and canal morphology.

Highlights

The knowledge of root canal anatomy has a major influence on the success rate of endodontic treatment
The internal anatomy of dental roots and canals has been assessed by canal staining and tooth clearing [2], plastic resin injection [3], conventional radiographs [4], digital and contrast medium-enhanced radiographic techniques [5], sectioning [6], in vitro macroscopic examination [7], in vivo root canal therapy with magnification [8], scanning electron microscopy evaluation [9], computed tomography (CT) techniques [10], micro-CT [11], and cone beam CT (CBCT) [12]
This study provides a detailed report on the root canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in a Turkish population by using CBCT

Summary

Introduction

The knowledge of root canal anatomy has a major influence on the success rate of endodontic treatment. Variations in the root canal systems and characteristic features in different races should be recognized before or during endodontic treatment [1]. Root morphology can be visualized in three dimensions, as can the number of root canals and their convergence or divergence from each other [14]. From this point, CBCT has been suggested to assist in identifying root canal systems. When reviewing the literature regarding root and canal morphology using the PubMed Database (National Library of Medicine), there were reports on the root canal morphology of permanent teeth in Turkish population.

Methods

Results

Conclusion