Root and canal morphology of Burmese maxillary molars

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of Burmese maxillary molars using a canal staining and tooth clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Maxillary molars (239) were collected from indigenous Burmese patients and designated; first (90), second (77), third (72) molars. Following pulp tissue removal and canal system staining with Indian ink, the teeth were decalcified with 10% nitric acid, dehydrated and cleared with methyl salicylate. The following features were evaluated: (i) number of roots 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: All first and second molars had three separate roots, whilst third molars had one of five different root forms, of which three separate (25%) or fused (31%) roots were most prevalent. The majority of palatal (100%) and disto-buccal (96%) roots possessed one canal (type I). The prevalence of mesio-buccal roots with two canals decreased from first to third molars (68%, 49%, 39%, respectively); type II (two orifices, one apical foramen) and IV (two orifices, two apical foramina) configurations were the most common. Single/fused rooted third molars had a range of number and type of canals. Most roots in all molars had one apical foramen, those with four apical foramina were confined to third molars. Intercanal communications were most prevalent in mesio-buccal roots and two/three fused rooted third molars. Lateral canals were most prevalent in the apical third of the roots of all molars. CONCLUSIONS: The mesio-buccal roots of Burmese maxillary molars possessed a variety of canal system types. Over 50% of the first and second molars had a second mesio-buccal canal, of which over 20% had intercanal communications. The palatal and disto-buccal canals mainly had type I canals. Lateral canals were equally prevalent in all tooth types but were most common in the apical third.