Frequency of three canals in permanent maxillary second premolars [in vitro]

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of three canals in extracted permanent maxillary second premolars. This was an in vitro study conducted at the Dental Outpatient's Department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro from January 2007 to June 2007. This study included one hundred and fifty extracted permanent maxillary second premolars. Pulp chambers were accessed using round bur in a high speed hand piece. The pulp chambers were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 12 hours to dissolve pulp tissues, then rinsed under running tap water for 2 hours and dried overnight. The dye was introduced coronally and flooded throughout the pulp space by vacuum suction apically. Teeth were then decalcified in 5% nitric acid solution for five days. Eventually teeth were made clear by dipping in methyl salicylate and examined under operating microscope under 7.5 x magnification for frequency of the three canals. Results showed that three canals were found in 2% of the permanent maxillary second premolars. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the results. It was concluded that an accurate clinical as well as radiographic diagnosis based on knowledge of root canal morphology and critical interpretation of radiographs is essential for achieving better outcome of endodontic treatment of the permanent maxillary second premolars