Evaluation of the root and canal systems of maxillary molars in Taiwanese patients: A cone beam computed tomography study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study evaluated variations in root canal configuration in the maxillary permanent molars of Taiwanese patients by analyzing patients' cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Comparisons were made among these configurations and those previously reported. This information may serve as a basis for improving the success rate of endodontic treatment.MethodsThe root canal systems of 114 Taiwanese patients with bilateral maxillary first or second molars were examined using CBCT images. The number of roots, canals per root, and additional mesiobuccal (MB) canals, as well as the canal configuration were enumerated and recorded.ResultsOf the 196 maxillary first molars examined, three (1.5%) had a single root, two (1.0%) had two roots, and 191 (97.5%) had three separate roots. Out of all first molar roots examined, 44% of mesiobuccal (MB) roots had a single canal and the remainder had a second MB (MB2) canal. Of the 212 maxillary second molars examined, 16 (7.1%) had a single root, 51 (24.2%) had two roots, 143 (67.8%) had three roots, and two (0.9%) had four separate roots. For the MB roots, 92.3% of three-rooted maxillary second molars had a single canal and the remainder had an MB2 canal. In all three-rooted maxillary first and second molars, each of the distal and palatal roots had one canal.ConclusionsThe root canal configurations of the MB roots of maxillary molars were more varied than those of the distobuccal and palatal roots, and the root canal configurations of maxillary second molars were more varied than those of the first molars. These findings demonstrate CBCT as a useful clinical tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Internal configuration of maxillary molars in a subpopulation of Brazil’s Northeast region: A CBCT analysis

“…13,17,18,19 However, some authors showed that more than half of first maxillary molars had an MB2 root canal. 1,5,6,7,11,15,20,21,22,23,24,25 It was also observed that 23% of second molars had more than one root canal in the mesiobuccal root, a result similar to that found in other populations. 20,22,24 In several previous studies, MB2 canal frequency was from 29.4% to 57.93% in the maxillary second molars.…”

“…1,5,6,7,11,15,20,21,22,23,24,25 It was also observed that 23% of second molars had more than one root canal in the mesiobuccal root, a result similar to that found in other populations. 20,22,24 In several previous studies, MB2 canal frequency was from 29.4% to 57.93% in the maxillary second molars. 1,6,7,13 In contrast, in the studies of Ghoncheh et al 15 and Lin et al, 24 only 13.84% and 7.7% of maxillary second molars presented a second canal in the mesiobuccal root, respectively.…”

“…20,22,24 In several previous studies, MB2 canal frequency was from 29.4% to 57.93% in the maxillary second molars. 1,6,7,13 In contrast, in the studies of Ghoncheh et al 15 and Lin et al, 24 only 13.84% and 7.7% of maxillary second molars presented a second canal in the mesiobuccal root, respectively. These differences may be due to sample diversity in number and in ethnicity.…”

Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Permanent Mandibular Anterior Teeth in Egyptian Subpopulation: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

“…11,12 These methods include polyester resin impressions, creating transparent samples and taking radiographs in the mesiodistal and/or buccolingual directions. 13 Currently the main method that gives detailed information about the morphology of roots and their variations is CBCT.…”

Detection of root canals in historical population from Radom (Poland)

“…It is well-known that root and especially canal morphology differ greatly between populations, within populations and even within the same individuals [3,33]. Therefore, variations in the shape and number of root canals in populations appear to be genetically determined [24]. In endodontics, a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the anatomy of root canal systems might contribute to treatment failure.…”