Mandibular premolars: aberrations in pulp space morphology.

One hundred and twelve mandibular first premolars and ninety six mandibular second premolars were studied to evaluate morphological aberrations in their pulp spaces. Each tooth was radiographed from two direct ions viz. buccolingual and mesiodistal and was sectioned at three sites, cementoenamel junction, middle third and apical third. 29.5%, mandibular first premolar & 13.5% mandibular second premolar exhibited second root canal with 44.60% & 46.9% curvatures respectively. Oval shape of the canal was most prevalent at cervical third area while the canal became round at middle and apical third areas. Approximately 10% mandibular first premolar exhibited C-shaped canal, while this shape was not observed in mandibular second premolar. It is concluded from this study that the knowledge of possible aberrations always help dentist realize and manage the root canal system in a better way.