Prevalence and morphology of C‐shaped and non‐C‐shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars

Abstract

Background: There are no cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based data on the anatomy of mandibular second molars in an Australian population. This study investigated the prevalence and descending morphology of mandibular second molars with and without C-shaped canals using retrospective analysis of CBCT scans. Methods: Scans from 715 patients were screened for the presence of C-shaped canals and assessed for cross-sectional configuration at five axial levels. Non-C-shaped molars were assessed for other morphological characteristics. Data were modelled against patient, tooth and CBCT scan characteristics. Results: A total of 1278 teeth from 657 patients were evaluated. The overall prevalence of C-shaped canals was 13%. Cross-sectional configuration of C-shaped canals was variable, with an average of 2.8 unique cross-sections per tooth. Non-C-shaped teeth were predominantly Vertucci Type II (60%) and Type IV (29%) configurations in mesial roots, and Type I (91%) in distal roots. Additional roots occurred in 4.3% of teeth and there was a significant association between radix paramolaris and distal root bifurcation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Cross-sectional analysis confirmed the complexity and variability of C-shaped canals. Clinicians should be cognizant of the prevalence and variability of C-shaped root canal morphology and how this may affect endodontic treatment.

A Case Report of a Maxillary Second Molar with Two Distinct Palatal Canals, Confirmed by CBCT

“…The scan also excluded the presence additional canals or other complex canal configurations. Based on the CBCT findings, and according to the new classification system of root canal morphology proposed by Ahmed et al, 2 the tooth is described as 3 17 MB 1 DB 1 P 2 ; meaning that the right MSM has three roots (MB: mesiobuccal; DB: distobuccal; P: palatal) in which the palatal root encases two separate canals each with an independent orifice and foramen ( Figure 2a–c ).…”

“…1 Such variations and complexities in root canal anatomy have been thoroughly investigated in the literature, and their significance is strongly emphasized. [1][2][3] However, rare anatomical variations can be challenging due to its uncommon appearance and insufficient knowledge of the dental operator.…”

The endodontic‐periodontal juncture: Where two worlds meet. An overview of endo‐perio lesions

“…They are most commonly found on the disto‐palatal surface of maxillary incisor teeth and are more common in lateral incisors than in central incisors 28,29 . They may also occur on the lingual surface of mandibular second molars 30 …”

“…28,29 They may also occur on the lingual surface of mandibular second molars. 30 Localized plaque and calculus accumulation can occur in radicular grooves because they are difficult for patients to keep clean and often present in association with a deep pocket. At the more apical extent of the groove, cementum can be thin and is sometimes completely absent.…”

Tratamento Endodôntico Convencional De Um Segundo Molar Inferior Em Forma De C, Utilizando Limas Pro-Design M, Aliado Ao Fechamento De Perfuração Com Cimento Bioativo: Relato De Caso

“…Para o tratamento das alterações irreversíveis, é necessária uma completa remoção do tecido pulpar, limpeza e modelagem dos canais radiculares, com posterior preenchimento tridimensional (Aricioğlu et al, 2021) O tecido pulpar se encontra localizado dentro de um sistema de canais radiculares complexo, o qual pode apresentar-se em formatos variados e com ramificações muitas vezes imperceptíveis (Aydın;Mobaraki, 2021). A dificuldade em limpar completamente a totalidade destas regiões, geralmente, é a causa do insucesso de um tratamento endodôntico (Fenelon;Parashos, 2022;Khawaja et al, 2021).…”