C-shaped root canals of mandibular second molars in a Korean population: a CBCT analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the C-shaped root canal anatomy of mandibular second molars in a Korean population.Materials and MethodsA total of 542 teeth were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The canal shapes were classified according to a modified version of Melton's method at the level where the pulp chamber floor became discernible.ResultsOf the 542 mandibular second molars, 215 (39.8%) had C-shaped canals, 330 (53%) had 3 canals, 17 (3.3%) had 2 canals, 12 (2.2%) had 4 canals, and 8 (1.7%) had 1 canal. The prevalence of C-shaped canals was 47.8% in females and 28.4% in males. Seventy-seven percent of the C-shaped canals showed a bilateral appearance. The prevalence of C-shaped canals showed no difference according to age or tooth position. Most teeth with a C-shaped canal system presented Melton's type II (45.6%) and type III (32.1%) configurations.ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of C-shaped canals in the mandibular second molars of the Korean population studied. CBCT is expected to be useful for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning of mandibular second molars.

Prevalence of C-Shaped Canals in Anterior and Posterior Teeth of Iranian Population Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…Besides, this study showed no correlation between age and C-shaped root canal configuration. These data are in agreement with the results of the studies conducted by Janani et al (10), Kim et al (11), Zheng et al (15), Helvacioglu-Yigit and Sinanoglu (16), Kim et al (37), and Ladeira et al (40).…”

“…Additionally, the correlation between the Sinanoglu (16), and Kim et al (37) found similar results. However, Kim et al (11), Pawar et al (2), and Seo and Park (23) found that the most common C-shaped canal type was C2. On the contrary, Alfawaz et al (4) and Bahammam (19) found that the most common C-shaped canal configuration was C3.…”

“…Panoramic radiographs and intraoral radiographs are two-dimensional images (11). Due to the absence of the third dimension in these images, the diagnosis of dentin between the roots in C-shaped root systems is very difficult (6,11). Additionally, it is hard and unreliable to clinically predict whether the C-shaped morphology continues throughout the root canal.…”

“…Additionally, it is hard and unreliable to clinically predict whether the C-shaped morphology continues throughout the root canal. CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) is an accurate 3D image with high resolution which provides better vision and understanding of anatomy and morphology of C-shaped canals (1,4,6,11).…”

Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular Second Molars in a Yemeni Population: A Cone-beam Computed Tomography

“…Closer percentages were reported in Chileans (8.93%) ( 9 ), Indians (8.1%, 9.7%) ( 25 , 29 ), Sudanese (10%) ( 5 ), and Belgians (10.71%) ( 9 ). However, it was far lower than results in Iranians (17.6%, 21.4%) ( 7 , 24 ), Lebanese (19.1%) ( 18 ), Chinese (29%, 38.6%) ( 3 , 4 ), Koreans (39.8%, 44.5%) ( 8 , 14 ) and Malaysians (48.7%) ( 30 ). Nevertheless, the incidence of C-shaped canals in Yemenis was higher than Brazilians (3.5%) ( 2 ), and Turkish (4.1%) ( 10 ).…”