Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Exploring Morphology of Mandibular First Molar

Abstract

Aims: The root canals have complex morphology and vary widely among individuals variations. The objective of this research was to analyse the morphology of root canals and existence of extra canals in mandibular first molar in subpopulation of Al-Medina Al-Munawarah. Study Design: Experimental/Analytical. Place and Duration of Study: College of dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah Munawwarrah, Saudi Arabia, 2014. Methodology: This study was conducted using freshly extracted mandibular first molars (n=100). All teeth were examined for morphology of roots, root canals and apical foramen by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The root canals configuration was classified using Vertucci's classification. Results: All mandibular first molars (100%) had two distinct and clearly separated roots. There was a high probability of two canals (92.5%) in mesial root compared to the distal root that contain two canals only in 20% of teeth. There was no occurrence of more than two roots or more than two canals in any of the roots in the selected teeth. The majority of distal roots (80%) had single canal with type I canal configuration followed by type III (10%), type V (7.5%) and type II (2.5%). The mesial roots presented comparatively complex canals configuration. Type I canal configuration was observed in only 7.5% teeth. The incidence of C shaped canals was very low (2.5%). Conclusion: The occurrence of single rooted mandibular first molars as well as supernumerary roots is very unlikely. The incidence of two distinct canals in mesial root is high (>92%), however distal roots mainly represented one canal (80%).