UCSF

Objective

To investigate variations in the root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in a population from the United Arab Emirates using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and conventional radiography.

Materials and methods

Three-dimensional images of 50 extracted human mandibular first premolars were produced using a micro-CT scanner, and conventional radiography was also used to record the number of roots, the root canal system configuration, the presence of a C-shaped canal system and lateral canals, intercanal communications, and the number and location of apical foramina. The interpretations of micro-CT and conventional radiography were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Variable root canal configurations based on Vertucci's classification were observed in the teeth (i.e., types I, III, IV, V, and VII). The examined teeth exhibited the following 2 additional root canal configurations, which did not fit Vertucci's classification: type 1-2-3 and type 1-3. A C-shaped canal configuration was present in 14 (28%) cases, and lateral canals were present in 22 (44%) cases. Apical deltas were found in 25 (50%) cases, intercanal communications were seen in 6 (12%) cases, and apical loops were seen in 2 (4%) of the samples. Micro-CT and X-ray imaging identified 39 (78%) and 34 (68%) apical foramina, respectively. A single apical foramen was detected in 33 (66%) samples, and 2 or 3 apical foramina were detected in 14 (28 %) and 3 (6%) samples, respectively. In 18.5 (37%) samples the apical foramina were located centrally, and in 31 (62%) they were located laterally.

Conclusion

A complex morphology of the mandibular first premolars was observed with a high prevalence of multiple root canal systems.