ABSTRACT
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