Investigation of the root canal configuration of mandibular first molars in a Taiwan Chinese population

Aim  To investigate the root form and canal morphology of mandibular first molar teeth in a Taiwan Chinese population.
Methodology  A total of 183 mandibular first molars were collected and examined visually through a dissecting microscope after rendering the teeth transparent. The number of roots, number of canals and canal configuration were recorded. The root canal morphology was categorized and compared according to Vertucci (1984).
Results  Overall 46% of the mandibular first molars had four canals and 20% had extra-distal roots (distolingual root). In addition, 97% of the specimens had two mesial canals and 46% had two distal canals. In total, 68% of teeth with two mesial canals had two separated apical foramina, and 33% of teeth with two distal canals had two apical foramina. The most common canal configurations (Vertucci, 1984) of mesial roots were type 4 (46%) and type 2 (23%). Type 1 was encountered in 54% of the distal roots.
Conclusions  The frequency of the extra-distal root on the mandibular first molar was 20%, and the incidence of three canals (Vertucci's type 8 classification) with separate apical foramina at the apex of the mesial root was 6%. The three-rooted variation of the mandibular first molar appears to be a genetic characteristic of an Asiatic racial background.     

Use of cone-beam computed tomography to evaluate root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in Turkish individuals

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Study design: CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 823) and second molar (n = 925) teeth from 605 Turkish patients were analyzed. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. Results: The majority of mandibular molars (95.8% of first molars, 85.4% of second molars) had two separate roots; however, three roots were identified in 2.06% of first molars and 3.45% of second molars. C-shaped canals occurred 0.85% of first molars and 4.1% of second molars. Three canals were found in 79.9% of first molars and 72.8% of second molars. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal. The most common root morphology of first and second molars is the two rooted morphology with three canals. Both the mesial and distal roots showed wide variations in canal anatomy with type IV and type I canal configuration predominating in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. Conclusion: Vertucci type I and IV canal configurations were the most prevalent in the distal and mesial roots, respectively, of both the mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth. Key words:Cone-beam CT, Turkish, mandibular molars, root and canal morphology.     

Root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molar teeth in a Jordanian population

Aim  To examine the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent first and second molar teeth in a Jordanian population.
Methodology  A total of 685 extracted mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth were collected from dental clinics within north Jordan. The teeth were examined visually and the root number and morphology were recorded. After that, access cavities were prepared, pulp tissue dissolved by sodium hypochlorite and the root canals injected with Indian ink. Stained teeth were decalcified with 10% nitric acid, dehydrated with ascending concentrations of alcohol and rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate. The following observations were evaluated: (i) number of canals per root; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) canal configuration in each root; (iv) number and location of lateral canals and (v) presence of intercanal communications.
Results  Of 330 mandibular first molars, the majority had three (48%) or four (46%) canals, whilst 4% had a third disto-lingual root. Of 355 mandibular second molars, 58% had three canals, 19% two and 17% had four canals, whilst 10% had C-shaped roots. The most prevalent canal configuration in the mesial root of both first (53%) and second (40%) molars was type IV, and in distal roots was type I (54% in first and 79% in second molars).
Conclusions  Jordanian mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibit features close to the average Caucasian root and canal morphology.     

Root canal configuration and the prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in an Iranian population

A total of 139 extracted mandibular second molars were injected with India ink and demineralized. They were made clear and transparent with methyl salicylate, and the anatomy of their canals was studied. It was found that 86.3% of mandibular second molars had two roots, 9.3% had one root, and 4.3% had three roots. Ninety percent of the mesial roots of the mandibular second molars with two roots had two canals (predominantly with a type II or III configuration), and 77.5% of the distal roots of these teeth had one canal (predominantly with a type I configuration). Among the mandibular second molars, 7.2% had C-shaped canals and these configurations were seen mostly in single-rooted mandibular second molars. The results of this study indicate that mandibular second molar teeth have many variations in the number of roots and the morphology of their canals. Therefore it should not be assumed that all mandibular second molar teeth have two roots and three canals.     

Root and canal morphology of the mesiobuccal and distal roots of permanent first molars in a Kuwait population--a clinical study

Aim To identify the number of roots and canal configurations in permanent first molars of the indigenous Kuwaiti sub‐population and compare them against a similar group of non‐Kuwaiti population in different age groups and gender, and to determine the frequency of a second canal in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars and distal root of mandibular first molars that could be located and treated in routine practice without using magnification or special lighting conditions. Methodology A total of 220 permanent first molar teeth of patients scheduled for root canal treatment over a period of 1 year were included. Patients were identified and grouped according to their nationality as Kuwaiti and non‐Kuwaiti (which included Filipinos, Indonesian Indians, Srilankans, Egyptians, Saudi Arabians and Syrians). In both nationality groups, patients were successively distributed into four groups based on their age. The first age group included patients below 20 years, the second 21–30 years, the third 31–40 years and the fourth were over 40 years. The first three groups comprised of 15 male and 15 female patients whilst the fourth group had 10 patients of each gender. Teeth with open apices, resorptions and calcification were excluded from the study. The teeth included were both clinically and radiographically examined for number of roots, the canal configuration and the presence of the additional mesiobuccal and distal canals and recorded. The simplified classification of canal configurations proposed by Weine was utilized. Results The incidence of a second canal in the mesiobuccal (MB) root of maxillary first molars and the distal root of mandibular first molars was not influenced significantly by nationality and gender. All the 110 maxillary first molars treated had three roots; 58% of MB root had one canal and 42% had two canals. The majority of the mesial roots had Weine type II canal configuration when the second mesiobuccal canal was present. All distobuccal and palatal roots had a single or type I canal configuration. Of the 110 mandibular first molars that were treated, 96% had two roots and 4% had three roots. When present, the third root was located either buccal or lingual to the main distal root. Overall 51% of the single distal roots had one canal whilst 49% had two canals. The mesial root frequently had a Weine type II canal configuration as did the distal root when a second canal was present. Pearson’s correlation analysis of both molars revealed a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation (r = ?0.274, r = ?0.144) between age and number of canals as well as the type of canal. Conclusions The incidence of a second canal in distal roots of permanent mandibular first molars was 49% in the Kuwaiti population and this was similar to other Asian ethnic populations. Adopting modified access and troughing procedures revealed a 42% frequency of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars. The incidence of a second canal in both mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars and distal roots of mandibular molars decreased significantly with age; no differences were noticed amongst the nationalities and gender studied. The possibility of extra roots should be anticipated in mandibular molars.     

Root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molars in a Sudanese population

AIM: To investigate variations in the root canal systems of first and second permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Sudanese population using a clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred extracted first and second permanent mandibular molars from three cities in the state of Khartoum were studied. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5% sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication; Indian ink was then injected into the root canal systems assisted by a vacuum applied apically. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate before evaluation. The following observations were made (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) number of root canals per root and (iv) root canal configuration. RESULTS: Overall 59% of mandibular first molars had four canals with 3% having a third distolingual root. Seventy-eight per cent of second mandibular molars had two separate flat roots, whilst 10% were C-shaped. The most common canal system configurations were type IV (73%) and type II (14%). Inter-canal communications were more common in the mesial roots. The prevalence of inter-canal communications was 65% in first molars and 49% in second molars. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of Sudanese teeth, 59% of the mandibular first permanent molars had four root canals whilst 10% of the mandibular second molars had C-shaped roots/canals.     

Root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molars in a Sri Lankan population

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of Sri Lankan mandibular molars and to determine the affinities of these morphological variations to those of people of European and Asian origin. Two hundred mandibular first and second molars were examined. The number of roots and the prevalence of C-shaped (gutter-shaped) roots in mandibular second molars were recorded. Root canal morphology was studied using a clearing technique. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci's classification. Among mandibular first molars, only 3% had three roots. Mesial roots of the first molar typically presented with two canals and two apical foramina with type IV, V, or VI canal configuration. Most distal roots of the first molar presented with a type I canal configuration. The remainder were distributed mainly between types III and V. Among mandibular second molars, 6% had single C-shaped roots, while C-shaped canals were found in only 2%. The majority of mesial roots of the second molar showed one or two canals, with one apical foramen with type I, II, or III canal morphology. In addition, the distal root commonly showed type I canal configuration. Intercanal communications and lateral canals were more frequently seen in the first molar than in the second. The root canal morphology in mandibular molars varies among population groups. Mandibular root and canal morphology of Sri Lankan people has closer affinities with that of people of European than of East Asian origin.     

A preliminary in vitro study of the incidence and position of the root canal isthmus in maxillary and mandibular first molars

AIM: To investigate in vitro the incidence and position of the root canal isthmus in extracted mesiobuccal roots of maxillary and mesial roots of mandibular first molars. METHODOLOGY: Fifty maxillary and 50 mandibular molars were included in the study. The mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars and the mesial roots of mandibular molars were sectioned from their crowns in the furcation region and embedded in clear resin. Transverse serial 1-mm-thick sections from the apical 6 mm were prepared. The apical side of each section was stained with India ink and observed through a light microscope. The sample images were saved to disk using a digital camera and the root canals in terms of the number present and the incidence and classification of isthmuses. RESULTS: In the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molars, 70% had one canal, whereas 29.5% had two canals. In the mesial root of mandibular molars, 41% had one canal, whereas 59% had two canals. In some sections, more than two canals were found close to the apical foramen. The isthmus incidence was greatest 3-5 mm from the apex. In teeth having two canals, a complete or partial isthmus was frequently observed in the sections between 3 and 4 mm from the apex. Of the isthmuses present, 22% were complete and 37% partial in mandibular molars and 17.3% were complete and 11.7% partial in maxillary molars. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of isthmus in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molars and in the mesial root of the mandibular first molars was high, particularly in sections 3-5 mm from the apex. Cleaning the isthmus is a major challenge during root canal treatment.     

下颌第二磨牙C形根管的特点和临床治疗

目的探讨下颌第二磨牙C形根管的发生率、临床诊断和治疗方法。方法通过对152例下颌第二磨牙拍摄术前X线片和术中根管探查,按照Melton标准诊断C形根管;采用机用镍钛器械Hero642进行根管预备,次氯酸钠超声冲洗,热牙胶垂直加压技术充填根管。记录C形根管的发生率及临床特点,根据治疗前、中、后的X线片评价根管预备和充填的效果。结果下颌第二磨牙C形根管的发生率为32.2%,79.6%的C形根管患牙X线片表现为锥形融合牙根,20.4%表现为近、远中独立牙根;所有患牙均无根管内并发症发生,治疗效果好。结论下颌第二磨牙C形根管主要存在于融合牙根,根管探查结合X线片可诊断C形根管;机用镍钛器械预备根管、次氯酸钠超声冲洗和垂直加压技术充填根管可获得良好的治疗效果。     

Analisi della morfologia radicolare e canalare di molari superiori ed inferiori in una popolazione Caucasica: studio in vivo alla CBCT

AimTo investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular permanent molar teeth in a Caucasian population by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).MethodsA total of 596 permanent molars were included. The number of roots, the number of canals per root and the root canal configurations according to the method of Vertucci were recorded.ResultsAlmost all of maxillary first molars (95.7%) had three separate roots; however, 40.3% of mesiobuccal roots had two canals (MB2). Of 157 maxillary second molars, 88.5% had three roots. Among the mesiobuccal roots, 15.1% had two canals. The majority of mandibular molars (100% of first molars, 89.4% of second molars) had two separate roots. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal.ConclusionsCBCT is an efficient method of studying root canal systems.     

100 颗成人下颌第一磨牙拔除原因,牙根外形、根管数目及形状研究

下颌第一恒磨牙因萌出早,处在左右侧颌骨的中份,所承担的咀嚼功能最大,发生疾病和失牙的概率高.为分析成人下颌第一磨牙拔除原因,进一步了解牙齿外形和根管解剖形态,提高下颌第一磨牙牙周病、牙髓病和根尖周病治疗的成功率,收集成人离体下颌第一磨牙100 颗,分析拔除原因;体视显微镜下观察、测量根长及不同部位根管数目和形状,为临床治疗下颌第一磨牙积累资料.     

Root and canal morphology of Burmese mandibular molars

AIM: To study the root canal morphology of Burmese mandibular molars using a canal staining and tooth clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Mandibular molars (331) were collected from indigenous Burmese patients and designated; first (139), second (134), third (58) molars. Following pulp tissue removal and staining of the canal systems with Indian ink, the teeth were decalcified and rendered clear with methyl salicylate. Under magnification (x3), the following features were evaluated: (i) root number and morphology, (ii) number of canals per root, (iii) root canal configuration (Vertucci's classification), (iv) number of apical foramina per root, (v) number and location of lateral canals and (vi) the presence of intercanal communications. RESULTS: Most of the mandibular molars had two separate roots (90% in first molars, 58% in second molars, 53% in third molars) and three-rooted teeth were (10%) confined to first molars. C-shaped roots occurred in 22.4% of mandibular second molars and a further 14.9% had two fused roots. The majority (81-100%) of conical distal roots possessed a simple type I (single canal) configuration. Whilst the canal system of mesial roots was more complex: 52-85% contained two canals, of which type II (two orifices, one foramen) and type IV (two separate canals) were the most prevalent. A broad range of 6.5-70% had intercanal communications. Fused/single-rooted molars had a wide variety of canal system types but intercanal communications were rare except in C-shaped roots (33%) of second molars. The majority of roots of all molars contained one or two apical foramina (91-96%) and the apical third had the highest prevalence of lateral canals. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of three-rooted mandibular first molars and C-shaped roots/canals in mandibular second molars from a Burmese population. Conical roots tend to have simple canal systems, whilst flatter/broader roots have more complex canal systems.     

Root canal systems of the mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of south Asian Pakistanis

AIM: The purpose of the present ex vivo study was to investigate variations in the root canal systems of mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis. METHODOLOGY: The root canal systems of a sample of 30 mandibular and 30 maxillary first permanent molar teeth extracted from South Asian Pakistanis were studied using a clearing technique. RESULTS: The mesial roots of the mandibular molar teeth typically presented with two canals (97%) of type II, IV or VI configuration. The distal roots of these teeth presented with a single canal (50%) of type I or V configuration or with two canals (50%) of type II, IV or VI. The prevalence of four root canals in two-rooted mandibular first permanent molar teeth was 47%. In maxillary molar teeth the mesial roots with a single canal (47%) were type I or type V; those with two canals (53%) were type II, IV or type VI. The distal and palatal roots that presented as a single canal (100%) were type I or type V configuration. The prevalence of four root canals in three-rooted maxillary first permanent molar teeth was 53%. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that four root canals in mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis is a common occurrence. The distribution of the different configurations of root canal systems in this population differed from that in Caucasian groups, suggesting that variations in root canal systems may be attributed to racial divergence.     

Frequency and type of canal isthmuses in first molars detected by endoscopic inspection during periradicular surgery

AIM: To analyse the occurrence of canal isthmuses in molars following root-end resection. METHODOLOGY: The material consisted of 56 mandibular and 32 maxillary first molars subjected to periradicular surgery. Based on radiographic, clinical, as well as intraoperative status, only roots with associated pathological lesions were treated. In total, 124 roots were resected (80 mandibular and 44 maxillary molar roots). The cut root faces were inspected with a rigid endoscope following apical root-end resection. The number of canals as well as the presence and type of canal isthmuses were recorded. RESULTS: In maxillary first molars, 76% of resected mesio-buccal roots had two canals and an isthmus, 10% had two canals but no isthmus, and 14% had a single canal. All disto-buccal and palatal roots had one canal. In mandibular first molars, 83% of mesial roots had two canals with an isthmus. In 11%, two canals but no isthmus were present, and 6% demonstrated a single canal. Sixty-four per cent of distal roots had a single canal and 36% had two canals with an isthmus. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study during periradicular surgery and intraoperative endoscopic examination of first permanent molars found a high frequency of canal isthmuses at the resection level. Endoscopic inspection also demonstrated that none of the isthmuses were filled, emphasizing the difficulty of orthograde instrumentation and root filling of canal isthmuses.     

Incidence of canal systems in the mesio‐buccal roots of maxillary first and second molars in Saudi Arabian population

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the number of canals treated in the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first and second molars teeth of a Saudi Arabian population during a 1‐year period in a postgraduate endodontic program. The attending endodontic faculty member supervising the case verified the number of canals in the teeth clinically and radiographically. In total, 308 maxillary first molars and 162 maxillary second molars, of which 158 (51.3%) and 32 (19.7%) met the criterion of having two canals detected and treated in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. It was concluded that the occurrence of mesio‐palatal canal in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars of a Saudi Arabian population was high. The fact that almost more than half the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first molars bear two canals is enough reason to always assume that two canals exist until careful examination proves otherwise.     

Evaluation of root canal morphology of human primary molars by using CBCT and comprehensive review of the literature

Objective Knowledge of primary tooth morphology is essential for clinical dentistry, especially for root canal treatment and dental traumatology. However, this has not been well documented to date with a large sample. This study was carried out to investigate the variation in number and morphology of the root canals of the primary molars, to study the applicability of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in assessing the same and to provide a comprehensive review of the literature. Materials and methods A total of 343 primary molars, without any root resorption, were divided into four main groups including the maxillary first molars, maxillary second molars, mandibular first molars and mandibular second molars. All of them were analysed in CBCT images in the axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Various parameters such as the number of roots, number of canals, the root canal type, diameter of root and root canal and root canal curvature were studied. Results Primary molars in all four groups showed variability in the number of roots and root canals. As far as length of the roots was concerned, the palatal root of the maxillary molar was found to be longest, while the distobuccal root was shortest. In mandibular molars, the mesial root was longer than the distal root. The length of distobuccal root canal of the maxillary molars and the distolingual canal of the mandibular molars was found to be shortest. The number of roots and root canals varied from two to four and three to four, respectively. The maxillary molars exhibited more one-canal than two-canal roots. Conclusion The present study provides comprehensive information to the existing literature concerning the variation in root canal morphology of the maxillary and mandibular primary molar teeth. These data may help clinicians in the root canal treatment of these teeth.     

Mandibular first molar with three distal root canals

CASE REPORT: A right mandibular first molar requiring root canal treatment was found to have one mesial and two distal roots and a total of five canals. The mesial and distobuccal root had two separate canals; the distolingual root had one. This case demonstrates a rare anatomical configuration and supplements previous reports of the existence of such configurations in mandibular first molars.     

Root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first and second molars in a Kuwaiti population: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

AimEndodontic diseases typically affect the mandibular molars. Understanding the complex morphology of the root canal system and its variations is necessary for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of roots and root canals of mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth in a Kuwaiti population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsCBCT images of 651 mandibular first and second molar teeth were obtained from specialist government dental centers. The age, sex, root canal configuration, and number and type of roots were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe most common canal configuration in the mandibular first and second molars was type II (65.6% and 54.4%, respectively), with no significant difference seen between the sexes (p = 0.234). The canal configuration was significantly different between the mandibular first and second molars (p < 0.001). Most teeth had two roots (94.5%); split roots were common (92.6%) and the number thereof varied significantly. Radicular grooves were most common on the lingual side (4.9%). C-shaped canals were present in 43 (6.60%) teeth. Additionally, one tooth had a confluent middle mesial canal and nine (1.4%) had radix entomolaris.ConclusionMandibular molars in our Kuwaiti population typically had two split roots with type II and IV canal configurations. The prevalence rates of C-shaped canals, middle mesial canals, and radix entomolaris were remarkably low.     

不同投照角度X线根尖片诊断下颌第一磨牙远中舌根的临床研究

目的评价不同投照角度X线根尖片诊断下颌第一磨牙远中舌根的作用。方法选择需行根管治疗的205颗下颌第一磨牙为研究对象。术前拍X线正位根尖片及近中20°～30°偏位根尖片,对比分析是否存在远中舌根。术中根据根管的弯曲情况把远中舌根分为3类。记录下颌第一磨牙牙根和根管的数量。结果术前X线正位、近中偏位根尖片判断48颗(48/205)下颌第一磨牙存在远中舌根,临床治疗中均确定有远中舌根,其余157颗下颌第一磨牙术中均未见远中舌根。远中舌根发生率为23.41%。48颗下颌第一磨牙远中舌根中,Ⅰ类根管22颗(45.83%);Ⅱ类根管17颗(35.41%);Ⅲ类根管9颗(18.75%)。205颗下颌第一磨牙106颗(51.70%)为3根管;98颗(47.80%)为4根管;1颗(0.48%)为5根管。结论术前多角度根尖片能准确诊断下颌第一磨牙远中舌根。     

Root and canal morphology of Thai mandibular molars

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of 351 mandibular permanent molars collected from an indigenous Thai population. METHODOLOGY: The cleaned teeth were accessed, the pulp dissolved by sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication and the pulp system injected with Indian ink. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate. The following observations were made: (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) number of root canals per root; (iv) root canal configuration in each root using Vertucci's classification, with additional modifications; and (v) presence and location of lateral canals and intercanal communications. RESULTS: Of 118 mandibular first molars, 13% had a third disto-lingual root. In three-rooted teeth, 80% of the main distal roots and 100% of the disto-lingual roots had type 1 canal systems. Of 60 mandibular second molars, 10% had C-shaped roots, the majority of which had type 1 (33%) or type IV (33%) canal systems. Of 173 third molars, 68% had two separate roots, 20% had fused roots and 11% had a single C-shaped root; the majority had two canals (61%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Thai molars exhibit features of both Caucasian and Chinese teeth.