ABSTRACT
Background: There have been numerous cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies done over the years to analyze the canal configurations among various racial and ethnic population groups. Several of these studies have highlighted a certain consistency in the incidence of particular features within these population subsets. Aim: The study aimed to analyze the root morphology and canal configurations of the maxillary first premolar (Mx1PM) in the Indian Dravidian subpopulation using CBCT. Setting and Design: This study involved a retrospective analysis of 200 CBCT scans, which included 400 Mx1PM. Methods: The CBCT images were evaluated, and the number of roots and canal configurations was recorded as per the Vertucci's classification. Statistical Analysis: Variations in the number of roots and canal anatomies were statistically interpreted using the Chi-square test of association with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Among the 400 Mx1PM studied, 116 (29%) teeth displayed single roots and 284 (71%) showed the presence of two roots. The single-rooted premolars revealed a varied canal configuration with a predominance of Vertucci's Type II configuration in around 53.4% of the Mx1PM. The two-rooted premolars revealed 100% Type I canal configuration. Conclusion: The Mx1PM studied predominantly showed the two-rooted morphology with independent canals in each root. There was no significant difference between the teeth on either side of the same arch. The CBCT is an excellent nondestructive modality that can help us study the internal anatomy of pulp space accurately.
ABSTRACT
Background: Numerous cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies have been done to analyze the canal anatomy of maxillary molars. However, research on comparison of symmetry in contralateral molars in the Indian population is limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify and assess the variations in the internal anatomy based on Vertucci's classification and to compare the prevalence of additional canals in contralateral maxillary first molar (Mx 1 M) and maxillary second molar (Mx 2 M) using CBCT. Settings and Design: A total of 120 small and medium field of view CBCT images with Mx1M and Mx2M were collected and retrospectively evaluated. Materials and Methods: Coronal, sagittal, and axial views of CBCT scans were analyzed by scrolling the scans, adjusting the contrast and brightness, and magnifying the canal configuration, along with additional canals and symmetry were identified and recorded. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using McNemar's test and Chi-square test. Results: Both Mx1M and Mx2M showed bilateral symmetry in the mesiobuccal root with Type I canal anatomy in 86.1% and 97.8%, respectively. The MB2 canal was evident in 34.1% of Mx1M and 8.4% of Mx2M. Conclusion: Variations such a single-rooted and two-rooted teeth in Mx2M with Type I Vertucci's canal anatomy were seen. The MB2 canal was the only additional canal found.
