Locating MB2 canal in maxillary first molars with magnification: in vitro study

ABSTRACT

To determine the ability of locating the second mesiobuccal canals in maxillary first molars with magnification [dental loupes 3.5x]. This was a Cross sectional study. 300 freshly extracted maxillary first molars were stored in 1% thymol solution for 1 week. Rhomboidal access cavities were prepared in these teeth and chamber cleared to look for canals first with naked eye and then with dental loupes [x3.5]. If MB2 was detected two periapical radiographs were exposed with files in MB andMB2 canals. The data was analyzed using chi squared test on SPSS version 10. In 77 out of 300 extracted teethMB2 canal was located with naked eye and with the use of dental loupes the number of located canals increased to 265. There was a statistically significant difference between the two methods of identification of MB2 canals [p value <0.005]. Use of magnification increases the number of MB2 canals located in maxillary first molars compared to those located with naked eye examination alone in vitro