Root and canal configurations of mandibular first molars in a South African subpopulation

Abstract

This study investigated root number and canal configurations, including morphological variations, of mandibular first molars in a subpopulation of South Africans. Methods: Two calibrated examiners retrospectively evaluated 371 mandibular first molars by using high-resolution cone-beam CT images and the Vertucci classification system with the additions of Sert and Bayirli. Internal and external configurations were recorded, and correlations of sex and age with root number and canal configuration were determined with the chi-square and Fisher exact tests (P < 0.05). Results: Among mandibular first molars, 0.3% were single-rooted, 98.7% were two-rooted, and 1% were three-rooted. The most frequent configuration was Vertucci Type IV in mesial roots and Vertucci Type I in distal roots. Middle mesial canals were found in 20% and middle-distal canals in 7% of samples. The prevalence of third canals increased in mesial and distal roots as age increased (P > 0.05). Canal configuration and sex were not correlated (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Mandibular first molars exhibited diverse anatomic characteristics in this subpopulation. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of additional canals in mandibular first molars, as treatment outcomes may be worse if canals are left untreated.

A study of mandibular premolar root and canal morphology in a Black South African population using cone-beam computed tomography and two classification systems

“…To ensure good treatment outcomes, endodontic practitioners need to have an excellent knowledge of both common and uncommon mandibular premolar root and canal configurations. Failure to locate, debride and obturate the entire root canal system reduces the likelihood of successful treatment [4].…”

“…So far, descriptions of the root and canal morphology of South African populations have been scant [2,4,7,9,18,19]. Only a single worldwide study of lingual canals in mandibular premolars by Martins et al included any South African data [7].…”

“…In order to successfully achieve the goals of endodontic treatment, namely complete debridement, instrumentation and obturation of the root canal system, clinicians must be mindful of both common root and canal configurations, as well as potential anatomical variations [3]. Untreated or missed features of root canal anatomy may lead to adverse endodontic treatment outcomes [4].…”

“…gov.za/publications/P03014/P030142011.pdf -last accessed 06-01-2022]. Whilst only a small number of publications have explored the dental anatomy of South African subjects in general [2,4,7,9], none have reported the morphology of mandibular premolars in exclusively Black South African individuals. Information regarding the dental anatomy of South Africa's largest population group is therefore scant.…”

Three-Rooted Permanent Mandibular First Molars: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence

“…In Africa, the pooled estimate of our meta-analysis revealed 0.9% ranging from 0.5% in Egypt [ 83 ] to 1.1% in South Africa [ 87 ]. This finding was slightly inferior to the previous report demonstrating the prevalence of three-rooted PMFMs more than 3% in the Senegalese population [ 98 ].…”