Morphology Of Premolars Research Articles

Morphological Evaluation of Maxillary Premolar Canals in Iranian Population: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

Statement of the Problem: A thorough knowledge of the morphological and anatomical variations of root canal system can help identify all root canals, adequate instrumentation, and consequently leads to a successful endodontic treatment. The knowledge of root morphology can influence the outcome of root canal therapy.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of maxillary premolar canals in Iranian population by analyzing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.Materials and Method: This cross-sectional retrospective study consisted of CBCT of 280 patients over 16 years of age. The position, number of roots, and root morphology of maxillary premolars were inspected. The root canal configurations of maxillary premolar teeth were also analyzed according to the Vertucci classification. The statistical analyses wee performed using chi-square test. Significance level was set at p < 0.05.Results: In the present study, of 462 maxillary first premolars, 8 (1.73%) teeth had three roots, 222 (48.05%) teeth had two roots, and 232 (50.22%) were single-rooted. In the second maxillary premolar group, of 400 premolars, 2 (0.5%) teeth had three roots, 34 (8.5%) teeth were two-rooted, and 364 (91%) were single-rooted. The most root canal configurations were type IV (71.64%) and type I (63%) in maxillary first and second premolars, respectively. Among females, single rooted premolars were the most prevalent (56.83%), and among males, two-rooted premolars were the most prevalent (57.61%).Conclusion: This study provided information about the root canals of maxillary premolar teeth for Iranian subpopulation leading to more optimal diagnosis and treatment planning for the endodontists. According to the findings, the complexity of root canal system and the number of roots were less common in females compared to males.

Distinct mandibular premolar crown morphology in Homo naledi and its implications for the evolution of Homo species in southern Africa

Homo naledi displays a combination of features across the skeleton not found in any other hominin taxon, which has hindered attempts to determine its placement within the hominin clade. Using geometric morphometrics, we assess the morphology of the mandibular premolars of the species at the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ). Comparing with specimens of Paranthropus, Australopithecus and Homo (n = 97), we find that the H. naledi premolars from the Dinaledi chamber consistently display a suite of traits (e.g., tall crown, well-developed P3 and P4 metaconid, strongly developed P3 mesial marginal ridge, and a P3 > P4 size relationship) that distinguish them from known hominin groups. Premolars from a second locality, the Lesedi Chamber, are consistent with this morphology. We also find that two specimens from South Africa, SK 96 (usually attributed to Paranthropus) and Stw 80 (Homo sp.), show similarities to the species, and we discuss a potential evolutionary link between H. naledi and hominins from Sterkfontein and Swartkrans.

Prevalence and morphology of multiple roots, root canals and C-shaped canals in mandibular premolars from cone-beam computed tomography images in a Thai population

Background/purposeVariations in root and root canal morphology of mandibular premolars of Thais has not been reported, and understanding these variations enhances endodontic success. The purpose was to investigate prevalence and morphology of multiple roots, root canals and C-shaped canals in mandibular premolars in a Thai population from cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and methodsA total of 349 first mandibular premolars and 416 second premolars from CBCT images with 0.125-mm voxel size and 60 × 60 mm field of view were evaluated. Number of roots, root canals, and C-shaped canals were recorded and statistically analyzed using chi-square test. Root canal configurations were defined according to the Vertucci's classification. Levels and distances of separated multiple canals were reported. ResultsMultiple roots in mandibular first premolars were found at 5.73% while none of second premolars had. Multiple root canals were found in the first premolars at 19.48% and the second premolars at 3.85%. C-shaped canals (C1/C2) were found in the first premolars at 3.72% and the second premolars at 0.48%. All parameters in the first premolars were significantly higher than in the second premolars (p < 0.01). The majority of multiple root canals were defined as Vertucci's type V (1–2 canals). Multiple root canals were frequently separated at the middle level of roots about 6.5–7.0 mm from the cementoenamel junction. ConclusionPrevalence of multiple roots/root canals and C-shaped canals in mandibular first premolars were significantly higher than in mandibular second premolars. Level of separation in multiple root canals was frequently at the mid-root level.

An efficacious horizontal angulation separated radiographically superimposed canals in upper premolars with different root morphologies

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of various horizontal beam angulations on radiographically separating superimposed canals in upper premolars with different external root morphologies. Materials and methodsThe independent variables were 1) three different external root morphologies of upper premolars (n = 30); one-root (A), fused-root (B) and two-root (C), 2) thirteen angulations (0° and mesial (Ms) and distal (Ds) shifts of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°), and 3) the superimposed canal at the apex (apx) and 5-mm from the apex (5apx). The dependent variables were the percentage of radiographs demonstrating canal separation. The separated canal distances were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD. ResultsSeparation distances at apx and 5apx on one-root, fused-root and two-root premolar radiographs increased as the angulation increased. Ms angulations generated a higher separation distance (SepDist) in mm compared with the Ds angulations. Significantly different separation distances were observed from various horizontal shift angulations (p < 0.05). Percentage of canal separation from 0o was achieved differently in different morphology of upper premolars (14–80%) at apx and 10–40% at 5apx. The 20–40Ms/Ds and 25Ds/30‒40Ms/Ds resulted in 100% of radiographs with canal separation for two-root and fused-root premolars, respectively, at apx and 5apx. Only the 35/40Ms resulted in 100% of radiographs with separation at apx in one-root teeth. ConclusionThe ideal horizontal angulation which revealed the superimposed canal at the apx/5apx for one-root, fused-root, and two-root teeth are 35M/35M, 20D/20M, and 15M/20M, respectively. SignificanceThe 25Ms was the optimal angulation which strongly recommended with the highest probability of separation and acceptable image quality in endodontic and prosthodontic treatment for unknown morphologies evaluated.

Root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular first premolars analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography in a Shandong Chinese population.

The aim of this study was to explore the root morphology and root canal configuration of first premolars among Shandong Chinese residents using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Randomly selected CBCT images were collected from 648 patients (44% women, 56% men). In total, 1268 maxillary and 1296 mandibular first premolars were analyzed. The number of roots and the canal configuration were recorded and identified based on Vertucci's classification.The majority of the maxillary first premolars had 1 root (67.4%), followed by 2 roots (32%). A 2-canal configuration (89%) was the most prevalent observation. For mandibular first premolars, 98.8% had 1 root and 81% presented the type I configuration. There were no statistical differences in the number of roots or morphology in terms of the left/right side or sex (P > .05).Among Chinese residents, the majority of maxillary first premolars had 1 root and 2 canals, whereas the most common anatomical configuration for mandibular first premolars was 1 root with 1 canal.

Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular Premolar Teeth in a Kuwaiti Subpopulation: A CBCT Clinical Study.

Objective:To study the root and root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods:152 CBCT images were obtained from the radiology department archives of four dental centers in Kuwait. A total of 476 mandibular premolar teeth were analyzed by two observers. The number of roots, root canal configuration types and canal curvature measurements were examined. The relationship between sex, tooth position, and incidence of an additional canal were compared using the chi-square test, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05).Results:The number of roots in mandibular first premolars was one in 73.9%, two in 24.9%, three and four in 1.2%. On the other hand, the number of roots in mandibular second premolars was one in 79.2% and two in 20.8%. Based on Vertucci’s classification system, 18.7% of the teeth were type II followed by type VI (14.3%). The majority of the examined teeth were straight (74.8%) and the incidence of distal root angulation was about 21%. Canal configurations not included in the Vertucci classification were reported in 102 teeth (21.4%). Variability was significantly higher in the second premolars compared to first premolar (P<0.05).Conclusion:The Kuwaiti population has complex root canal morphology in mandibular premolar teeth.

Morphological variations of mandibular first premolar on cone-beam computed tomography in a Saudi Arabian sub-population

In-depth knowledge of common and aberrant pulp morphology is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning prior to commencing root canal treatment. Radicular morphology of mandibular premolars has been extensively studied. Considerable variation in the number of canals and roots found in these teeth has been reported. AimThe purpose of this study is to investigate the root and root canal morphology of mandibular first premolar among Saudi Arabian subpopulation in Aseer using CBCT. MethodsCone-beam computed tomography images of Mandibular first premolar were taken from 166 patients which were referred to Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region (AFHSR), Khamis Mushayt, Asir region Saudi Arabia. All the images were assessed by two Evaluators (An Endodontist and a Radiologist). Inter-examiner reliability was determined and was assessed by KAPPA value. ResultsThe mandibular first premolar (n = 216) distributed as 120 teeth in female and 96 teeth in male. Out of the 120 teeth examined in female groups one canal was seen in 95 (79.2%) teeth, two canals in 19 (15.8%) teeth and three canals in 6 (5%) teeth where as in the Male group out of 96 teeth, 52 (54.1%) teeth showed one canal, 32 (33.3%) teeth with two canals whereas 12 (12.5%) teeth showed presence of three canals.Chi-Square test for mandibular first premolars demonstrated the chance of second canal in the mandibular first premolar more in male than female and these differences was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionEndodontic therapy of mandibular premolars is a challenge for clinician because of their frequent morphological and anatomical abnormalities. Proper knowledge about number of root canals and canal configuration is a key to success in Endodontic. There is a great variability in different population regarding the root canal configuration in mandibular pre-molars. However, most studies state the mandibular first premolar has one root canal. Also, the most prevalent type of root canal found was Type I vertucci.

Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology and Root Apex Anatomy of Mandibular Premolars in an Iranian Population: an ex-vivo study

Objectives Adequate knowledge about canal anatomy is necessary for clinicians to prevent any damage to the periodontium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the canal and apical complexities of the mandibular first and second premolars in an Iranian population. Methods One-hundred mandibular first (n=50) and second (n=50) premolars were collected. After access cavity preparation, 2% methylene blue was injected into the canals, and they were sealed with Coltosol and nail varnish. Next, demineralization and clearing with 5% nitric acid and methyl salicylate were performed. Apical morphology including the presence of accessory canals, apical delta, anastomoses and canal configurations was evaluated under a stereomicroscope at x16 magnification. Descriptive statistics (including tables, central tendency and dispersion tests) were used for data analysis. Results The most prevalent form of canal type was Vertucci’s type I in first and second premolars. The mean distance between the apical foramen and anatomic apex, apical foramen and apical constriction, and apical constriction and anatomic apex was 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mm, respectively for the first premolars. These values were 0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 mm, respectively for the second premolars. Conclusion Although most mandibular premolars have one canal, using appropriate cleaning methods is imperative because of high prevalence of accessory canals, anastomoses and apical deltas. First premolars pose more challenges in this respect

Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography to Identify the Morphology of Maxillary and Mandibular Premolars in Chennai Population

Objective: The complex root canal anatomy is inherently colonised by microbial flora. Endodontic treatment success is always related to adequate disinfection of the root canal space, which ultimately affects the treatment outcome. A thorough understanding of the external and internal root canal anatomy by using adequately imaging modalities is essential before planning any treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the number and morphology of the root canals of maxillary and mandibular premolars in Chennai population. Material and Methods: Full-size cone-beam computed tomographic images were randomly collected from 100 patients, resulting in a total of 200 first and 200 second maxillary premolars as well as 200 first and 200 second mandibular premolars. All the eight premolars were analysed in single patients, who underwent cone-beam computed tomography scanning during pre-operative assessment (before implant surgery, orthodontic treatment, diagnosis of dental-alveolar trauma or difficult root canal treatment). Total number of roots and root canals, frequency and correlations between men and women were recorded and statistically analysed by using chi-square tests. The root canal configurations were rated according to the Vertucci’s classification. Results: In the maxillary first premolar group (n = 200), 36.3% had 1 root, 56.7% had 2 roots and 7.0% had 3 roots, with most exhibiting a type IV canal configuration. In the maxillary second premolar group (n = 200), 60% had 1 root, 29.8% had 2 roots and 10.2% had 3 roots, with the majority of single-rooted second premolars exhibiting a type I canal configuration. In the mandibular first premolar group (n = 200), 80.5% had 1 root, 9.8% had 2 roots and 5% had 3 roots. In the mandibular second premolar group (n=200), 90.1% had 1 root, 6.4% had 2 roots and 3.5 % had 3 roots, with most exhibiting a type I canal configuration. No statistical correlation was found between number of roots, gender and tooth position. Conclusion: This cone-beam computed tomographic study confirmed previous anatomical and morphological investigations. Therefore, the possibility of additional root canals should be considered when treating premolars. Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Mandibular; Maxillary; Premolar; Root canal; Morphology.

Analysis of Mandibular Premolars Root Canal Morphology Using Radiographic and Cross-Sectional Techniques in Malaysian Population

Introduction: Aberrant root canal morphology of mandibular premolars has always been associated with high endodontic treatment failures. This study was conducted to assess the canal morphology of the mandibular premolars in the Malaysian population using periapical radiographs and cross-sections of the premolar teeth. Materials and Methods: One hundred extracted permanent mandibular premolars with intact apex were randomly collected from various clinics across Malaysia. Radiographs were taken both in mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) views to examine the presence of a second canal and to evaluate the type of canal configuration. The roots were then stained and perpendicularly resected to the long axis at three levels (cervical, middle, and apical one third). Digital photographs were taken for each of the cross-section sample and analyzed according to the number and shape of canals. Results: It was found that 78% of the mandibular premolars had single canal in BL radiographic view and 65% in MD view. Seventy-one percent of the single-canal premolars were observed in all three cross-sectional views (1-1-1 configuration). Furthermore, 37% showed oval-shaped canals and 34% showed irregular-shaped canals mainly found at cervical one third; 20% of the teeth showed the canals to be rounded in shape, most prevalent at the apical one third. Two canals with isthmus were observed in 5% of the all cross-sectional views. Conclusion: The majority of mandibular premolars in Malaysian population have a single canal, and there are a few possibilities of two or more canals in these teeth.

Morphological variations of mandibular first premolar in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation evaluated using Cone Beam Computed Tomography CBCT

In-depth knowledge of common and aberrant pulp morphology is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning prior to commencing root canal treatment. Radicular morphology of mandibular premolars has been extensively studied. Considerable variation in the number of canals and roots found in these teeth has been reported. AimThe purpose of this study is to investigate the root and root canal morphology of mandibular first premolar among Saudi Arabian subpopulation in Aseer using CBCT. MethodsCone-beam computed tomography images of Mandibular first premolar were taken from 166 patients which were referred to Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region (AFHSR), Khamis Mushayt, Asir region Saudi Arabia. All the images were assessed by two Evaluators (An Endodontist and a Radiologist). Inter-examiner reliability was determined and was assessed by KAPPA value. ResultsGender and bilateral distribution differences were calculated and were determined using the Chi-Squared test (χ2-test). Differences were considered significant when P > 0.05 using SPSS Statistics software (ver. 22.0; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The mandibular first premolar (n = 216) distributed as 120 teeth in female and 96 teeth in male. Out of the 120 teeth examined in female groups one canal was seen in 95 teeth, two canals in 19 teeth and three canals in 6 teeth where as in the Male group out of 96 teeth, 53 teeth showed one canal, 33 teeth with two canals whereas 12 teeth showed presence of three canals. ConclusionEndodontic therapy of mandibular premolars is a challenge for clinician because of their frequent morphological and anatomical abnormalities. Proper knowledge about number of root canals and canal configuration is a key to success in Endodontic. There is a great variability in different population regarding the root canal configuration in mandibular pre-molars. However most studies state the mandibular first premolar has one root canal. Also the most prevalent type of root canal found was Type I vertucci.

Evaluation of root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Saudi population using cone beam computed tomography: A retrospective study

ObjectiveTo investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular first and second premolars using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi population. MethodsCBCT images of 707 patients, number of roots and canal configuration were identified and categorized according to Vertucci classification. Bilateral symmetry and association between gender and number of roots, as well as gender and root canal configuration were investigated. ResultsMajority of the patients had one root and type I root canal configuration in mandibular first (96.4%) and second premolar (95.6%). All types of canal configurations were observed except Type VII for the mandibular first premolar, and Types VI and VII for the mandibular second premolar. High degree of bilateral symmetry was seen in both mandibular first and second premolars in terms of the number of roots and canal configuration; 93.8% and 97.8%, respectively. There was an association between gender and number of roots (P = 0.04) and gender and root canal configuration in mandibular first premolar (P = 0.030). ConclusionsSingle-root with type I canal configuration was the most prevalent of mandibular premolars in the Saudi population. However, incidence of more than one root with different canal configurations was detected.

Evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary premolars: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal configuration of maxillary premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 999 maxillary premolars from a database were analysed to determine the frequency of the number of roots, root canals and Vertucci's classification. The associations among these variables were evaluated by Chi-square test (P < 0.05). In the first premolars, 42.2% of single-rooted teeth had a type II configuration, whereas 98.7% of 2-rooted teeth showed type IV. In the second premolars, type I was the most prevalent (49.9%). The presence of two roots was more prevalent in first premolars, and the presence of one root was more prevalent in second premolars (P < 0.05). Male patients had a higher percentage of two roots compared with female patients (P < 0.05). Type IV and I was more prevalent in first and second premolars respectively (P < 0.05). There was a high frequency of 2-rooted and single-rooted teeth among maxillary first and second premolars respectively.

Occlusal Morphology of the Mandibular First and Second Premolars in Iranian Adolescents

In dental textbooks, the mandibular premolar occlusal morphology has been described as having a predominantly “U-shaped” central groove on the first premolar and a “Y-shaped” central groove on the second premolar. In this study, we examined students (n = 400) of Isfahan high schools (Iran) and first and second premolars were examined bilaterally. Morphological features of the crown, number, height and position of cusps, central grooves shape and sex of the teethwere recorded. For the mandibular first premolars, 21.5% of students exhibited H-shape grooves bilaterally; 70.0% had bilateral U-shape grooves; and 8.5% were mixed. For the mandibular second premolars, 73.0% exhibited 2-cusp forms bilaterally; 15.8% had 3-cusp forms bilaterally; and 11.3% were mixed. In the 2-cusp forms, the predominant occlusal pattern was U-shaped (44.0%). In this Iranian sample, the predominant occlusal pattern was U-shaped in both the first premolar and second premolar, which contrasts with conventional textbook descriptions.

Fluctuating Asymmetry in Root Number and Morphology of Permanent Premolars and Molars—Case Reports

Aim of this article is to report cases with fluctuating asymmetry in root morphology and root number in permanent premolars and molars and to survey the literature about reporting for fluctuating asymmetry in roots of teeth. Fluctuating asymmetry is a left-right asymmetry of a paired structure that is usually symmetrical. Teeth in corresponding quadrants of the upper and lower jaws are normally symmetrical structures that exhibit mirror imagery. Fluctuating asymmetry does occur at varying levels for all root traits. Fluctuating asymmetry for root morphology and number has been poorly studied. In this article, 21 cases with fluctuating asymmetry in root number and morphology of permanent premolars and molars are reported. Key points are: (1) Fluctuating asymmetry seems to be occurring in Tamil speaking population of Madurai South India more frequently than reported for Caucasian populations. (2) More detailed study of variation in root morphology with greater emphasis on fluctuating asymmetry for root morphology is warranted. 3) Fluctuating asymmetry is of importance to clinical dentists, dental morphologists, and dental anthropologists.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Premolars in a Saudi Population.

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the root canal morphology of maxillary first and second premolars in a Saudi population using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed CBCT images of 707 Saudi patients. The number of roots and canal configuration were identified based on Vertucci's classification. Fisher's exact Chi-square tests were performed to analyze the association between sex and number of roots and sex and root canal configuration. Results Most teeth had two roots in maxillary first premolars (75.1%) and one root in maxillary second premolars (85.2%). Type IV was the most prevalent canal configuration in maxillary first premolars (69.1%), while Type I was the most in maxillary second premolars (49.4%). All types of canal configurations were observed in maxillary premolars except Type VII for the maxillary second premolar. Chi-square tests showed no significant association between gender and number of roots and sex and root canal configuration in both maxillary first and second premolars although higher number of roots was seen in men (P > 0.05). Conclusion Most maxillary first premolars had two roots with Type IV being the most predominant canal configuration, while a single root with Type I canal configuration was the most frequently observed morphology in maxillary second premolars. In maxillary first premolars, 21.3% had one canal apically, 75.4% had two canals apically, and 3.3% had three canals apically. In maxillary second premolars, 80.2% had one canal apically, 18.9% had two canals apically, and 0.9% had three canals apically.

New material of Diacodexis (Mammalia, Artiodactyla) from the early Eocene of Southern Europe

Diacodexeidae are the first representatives of Artiodactyla in the fossil record. Their first occurrence is at the very base of the Ypresian (earliest Eocene, 56.0Ma) with Diacodexis, a genus well diversified during the early Eocene in Europe, especially during the MP7–MP8+9 interval. However, most of European species are documented by scarce material, retrieved from single localities. In this work, we describe new Diacodexis material from ∼MP7 and ∼MP8+9 localities of Southern Europe, including material of D. antunesi from Silveirinha, considered as the most primitive European Diacodexis species, and material from three localities from Southern France (Fordones, Palette, and La Borie). The new material documents Diacodexis premolar morphology and deciduous dentition which bear potentially important phylogenetic information, as well as astragali, including a specimen from Silveirinha that constitutes the earliest occurrence of an astragalus of the genus Diacodexis in the European fossil record. Investigation of the enamel microstructure reveals that early European species had a simple enamel pattern with one-layered Schmelzmuster composed of ‘basic’ radial enamel only, instead of the two-layered Schmelzmuster (thin radial enamel+thick layer of Hunter-Schreger bands) observed on North American species and so far considered to represent the primitive condition within Artiodactyla. In accordance with previous studies, our observations highlight that Diacodexis gigasei from Belgium is morphologically closer to the North American species D. ilicis than to D. antunesi from Portugal. The latter species, together with D. aff. antunesi from Fordones, appears to be morphologically closer to the Asiatic taxa D. indicus and D. pakistanensis. Finally, we found numerous similarities between D. cf. gigasei from Palette and D. gigasei, a result that challenges the intra-European provincialism that characterizes the earliest Ypresian. Diacodexis gigasei could be one of the rare species shared by the northwestern and southwestern European bioprovinces.

Symmetry of root anatomy and root canal morphology in maxillary premolars analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography

ObjectiveThis study aimed to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the root anatomy and canal morphology of maxillary premolars in a Chinese population and determine their degree of bilateral symmetry. Design774 CBCT images were retrospectively analyzed, representing 1387 maxillary first premolars and 1403 second premolars. The number of roots and canals were recorded. The morphology of root canal systems was determined according to Vertucci’s classification. The symmetry of root and canal anatomies between maxillary contralateral premolars was further evaluated. ResultsThe most common anatomy of maxillary first and second premolars was one-rooted with two canals (58.0%) and one-rooted with one canal (50.3%), respectively. The typical canal morphology was type IV (42.7%) in maxillary first premolars and type I (50.3%) in maxillary second premolars. One-rooted maxillary premolars exhibited a higher variability in the canal morphology, compared to two-rooted or three-rooted teeth. Maxillary second premolars exhibited greater anatomic symmetry than first premolars. The root and canal numbers showed bilateral symmetry between 80.2% of maxillary first premolar pairs and 81.8% of second premolar pairs. Bilateral symmetry in both number and morphology of roots and canals was observed for 72.3% of maxillary first premolar pairs and 73.2% of second premolar pairs. ConclusionThe root anatomy and canal morphology of maxillary premolars in a Chinese population were quite diversified. Maxillary contralateral premolars demonstrated a high degree of symmetry in root and canal anatomies, which enables practitioners to better determine the nature of the root canal system during treatment of opposite homonymous teeth.

Root anatomy and apical canal morphology of maxillary first premolars

Understanding the root anatomy and apical canal morphology of maxillary premolars is a key prerequisite for successful surgical and endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the root anatomy and apical canal morphology of maxillary first premolars. To achieve the set task, 30 maxillary first premolars were extracted. After thorough rinse visual assessment of root anatomy was made. Each root was transversally sectioned six millimeters from apex with a straight hand piece. The apical samples were decalcificated in 7.5% trichloroacetic acid, transversal sections were made, stored in 10% formalin then dyed in hematoxylin and eosin and numerated from I to VI. Apical canal morphology was evaluated with an optical microscope. Majority of maxillary first premolars had double roots (63.0%; n=19) that were mostly separated (50.0%; n=15) containing a single root canal. Minority had double roots that were fused (13.0%; n=4) with two root canals. Single root with almost equal occurrence of two, as well as variable root canal configuration were found in (30.0%; n=9). A very rare occurrence of maxillary first premolars with three roots (7.0%; n=2) was detected, two vestibular and one palatal, each containing a single canal configuration. Accessory lateral canals were detected in 20% of maxillary first premolars. Transversal communications were detected in maxillary premolars with one root and double fused roots (26.6%; n=8). A single apical foramen was detected in majority of maxillary first premolars (50.0%; n=15). Two apical foramina were detected in (33.4%; n=10), three in (10.0%; n=3) and four in (6.6%; n=2) maxillary premolars. Keywords: maxillary first premolar, root anatomy, apical canal morphology, decalcification, optical microscopy

Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Premolars among the Elderly.

Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Premolars among the Elderly.