Zakiyeh Donyavi1, Abbas Shokri2, Elham Khoshbin1, Maryam Khalili1, Javad Faradmal3,4. 1. Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 2. Dental Implant Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 3. Modeling of Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 4. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inability to efficiently clean all root canals due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system is a common cause of endodontic treatment failure. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of the maxillary and mandibular second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study evaluated 502 CBCT scans taken in the years 2014-2017. The number of roots and canals, type of canals according to the Vertucci classification, presence of maxillary second molars with 2 palatal roots, and C‑shaped canals in the maxillary and mandibular second molars were evaluated on CBCT scans separately by a radiologist and 2 endodontists. The data was analyzed using SPSS via descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, the independent samples t-test, and the χ2 test. All the analyses were performed with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: The majority of the palatal, mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots of the maxillary second molars had 1 single canal of Vertucci type I; 21.5% of the mesiobuccal roots had a second mesiobuccal canal (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two-rooted mandibular second molars and 3-rooted maxillary second molars were the most common in our study population. Cone-beam computed tomography as a non-invasive and highly accurate imaging modality is efficacious for the detection of additional roots and C‑shaped canals.
BACKGROUND: Inability to efficiently clean all root canals due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system is a common cause of endodontic treatment failure. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of the maxillary and mandibular second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study evaluated 502 CBCT scans taken in the years 2014-2017. The number of roots and canals, type of canals according to the Vertucci classification, presence of maxillary second molars with 2 palatal roots, and C‑shaped canals in the maxillary and mandibular second molars were evaluated on CBCT scans separately by a radiologist and 2 endodontists. The data was analyzed using SPSS via descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, the independent samples t-test, and the χ2 test. All the analyses were performed with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: The majority of the palatal, mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots of the maxillary second molars had 1 single canal of Vertucci type I; 21.5% of the mesiobuccal roots had a second mesiobuccal canal (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two-rooted mandibular second molars and 3-rooted maxillary second molars were the most common in our study population. Cone-beam computed tomography as a non-invasive and highly accurate imaging modality is efficacious for the detection of additional roots and C‑shaped canals.