BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate variations in the root canal systems of permanent maxillary first premolars in a Yemeni population using a clearing technique.MethodsTwo hundred fifty permanent maxillary first premolar teeth extracted from Yemeni individuals were collected. A small hole in the center of the occlusal surface of each tooth was prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Teeth were stored in 5–10% nitric acid solution for 5–6 days. Next, teeth were rinsed, dried, and dehydrated using ascending concentrations of ethanol (70, 95, and 100%) successively for 12 h each. Waterproof black ink was injected into the dried dehydrated teeth. Stained teeth were then rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate solution (98%) until evaluation. Root canal morphology of each tooth was then examined.Results54.8% of teeth were single-rooted, while 44.4% were double-rooted and only 0.8% had three separated roots. The most common canal system configuration was Vertucci type IV (55.6%). Eight specimens of the single-rooted premolars (3.2%) had new canal configurations that have not been recognized in previous published studies. Accessory canals and inter-canal communications were detected in a total of 52.8 and 34.4% of the specimens, respectively. The apical foramen was located centrally to the apex in 84.9% and apical deltas were found in 13.2% of the studied sample.ConclusionsYemeni permanent maxillary first premolars are mainly single-rooted and predominantly present Vertucci type IV canal morphology. The finding of additional canal configurations in this study is low but should be kept in mind when performing endodontic therapy for these teeth.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and characterize root and canal morphology and the prevalence of C-shaped canals of mandibular second molars (MSMs) in a Yemeni population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Three-dimensional digital images of 500 MSMs with mature roots were taken from 250 Yemeni individuals and analyzed for the following features: number of roots, shape and type of roots, type of canal configuration in each root, prevalence of C-shaped canal, and primary variations in the morphology of root and canal systems. Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were employed for statistical analysis. Results: 89.6% of MSMs had two separate roots, 9% had two fused roots, 0.6% had three separate roots and 0.8% had one root. Mesial root was mostly ribbon-shaped (60.5%) and distal root was mostly kidney-shaped (50.7%). Type II and Type I canal configurations were the most frequent in mesial (56.9%) and distal (91.3%) roots, respectively. C-shaped canals were found in 9%. Six variants were found with variant 3 being the most common (71%). Conclusion: Yemeni MSMs are mainly two-rooted. The prevalence of three- and one-rooted MSMs was relatively low. Various canals configurations were found in MSMs among this sample of Yemeni population. The clinicians should consider C-shaped roots and canals when treating Yemeni MSMs and should be aware of their morphological variations to ensure successful root canal treatment. Although bilateral similarity of many anatomical features of MSMs was found, individual evaluation of each MSM is necessary while performing endodontic treatment on both sides.

To describe root and canal morphology of mandibular first molars (MFMs) in a Yemeni population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: CBCT images of 500 right and left untreated MFMs with fully developed roots from 250 Yemenis (125 male and 125 female) comprised the sample size of this study. The following characteristics were recorded: (1) number of roots and their type and morphology, (2) number of canals orifices per root, (3) type of canal configuration and (4) primary variations in the morphology of the root and canal systems. Results: 96.8% of MFMs are double-rooted. A third root was found in 3.2%, more in females than males. Mesial root was mainly ribbon-shaped (92.2%) and distal root was kidney-shaped in 56.2%. Two canals orifices were found in mesial root of 95.8% and one canal orifice was found in distal root of 96.4%. Vertucci type II canal configuration was the most frequent (57%), followed by type IV (35.6%) in mesial root. Type III canal configuration was the most prevalent (48.8%), followed by type I (41%) in distal root. Variant 3 represented the most common root and canal morphology (89.8%). Conclusion:MFMs in Yemeni population are mainly two-rooted with 3.2% having a supernumerary distolingual root. Cross section of mesial root was mainly ribbon-shaped and distal root was kidney-shaped. Vertucci type II and III configurations were the higher incidence in mesial and distal roots, respectively. The presence of two canals in mesial root and one canal in distal root of MFMs with two separate roots (variant 3) was the most common morphology.

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the influence of the quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations on the prevalence of periapical lesions. Materials and Methods: Two hundred digital panoramic radiographs were obtained from the archive of Al-HamziDental Center in Sana'a, Yemen. The final sample consisted of 120 radiographs, and 675 root filled teeth.The quality of root canal fillings was scored according to criteria of length, homogeneity and taper. Coronal status (type of restoration, signs of marginal leakage or decay) was also evaluated. The periapical status was categorized on the basis of presence or absence of radiographical signs of apical periodontitis. Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance between different parameters. Results: We found that 93.6% of root filled teeth were associated with apical periodontitis. Only 9.2% of root filled teeth were found to have an acceptable standard of root canal fillings, of which 32.3% was also associated to signs of periapical disease. In roots with an unacceptable root canal filling, 95.4% had periapical disease. Teeth with good (14.4%) and poor (32.9%) intra-coronal restorations had apical periodontitis in 93.8% and 97.7% of cases, respectively. Crown restorations were present in 52.7% of root filled teeth, of which 91.0% were associated with periapical lesions. Conclusion: The poor technical quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations is consistent with a high prevalence of apical periodontitis.

Aim: To assess the root canal filling quality performed by general dental practitioners in Yemen through radiographic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Four hundred fifty-five digital panoramic radiographs were selected from the archive of the Dental Health Center in Sana'a, Yemen. The final sample consisted of 221 patients, 685 teeth, and 977 root canals. The criteria for overall radiographic adequacy of root canal fillings were defined as the presence of adequate length, density and taper, and absence of iatrogenic errors (ledges, transportations and perforations). Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance between different parameters. Results: This study considered only radiographic criteria for evaluation of the root canal fillings. The percentage of root canal fillings with adequate length, density and taper was 30.8%, 29.6% and 20.7%, respectively. Considering the incidence of iatrogenic errors, perforations were present in 12 root canals (1.2%), while the presence of transportations was observed in 20 root canals (2.0%). However, ledges were no detected in any root canals. Conclusion: The root canal filling quality performed by general dental practitioners in Yemen is poor.