Root and canal configuration of the maxillary first molar in a Saudi subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Journal Article

2017

Published in: http://www.saudiendodj.com/article.asp?issn=1658-5984%3Byear%3D2017%3Bvolume%3D…

S, Al-Shehri S, Al-Nazhan . 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and root canal morphology of permanent maxillary first molars in a Saudi subpopulation and the effect of age and gender on the morphology of these teeth using cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: A total of 351 CBCT images of the maxillary first molars of 207 Saudi patients were examined. The number of root canals, root canal configuration (Vertucci’s classification), and prevalence of fusion were investigated. Chi‑square was used to analyze the data, and Kappa test was used to examine inter‑ and intra‑examiner reliability.

Results: A high prevalence of three separated roots was observed in 94% of the teeth. A 55.6% of mesiobuccal roots (MBRs) had two canals of Vertucci’s Type IV. The proportion was higher in males than females of a young age. Two‑fused roots in three‑rooted teeth were present in 5.98%. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of canals and gender (P = 0.010).

Conclusion: The morphological configurations of the root canal of maxillary first molars in Saudi subpopulation were consistent with previously reported data. The majority had three roots and four canals. The additional fourth canal was located in the MBR, and Type IV was the most prevalent. CBCT is an appropriate imaging modality that helps assess complex root canal morphology of human teeth.

• Publication Work Type: Research
• Volume Number: 7
• Issue Number: 2
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Saudi Endodontic Journal 2017
• Pages: 69-76