ABSTRACT
Root canal morphology was evaluated in 72 maxillary fourth premolar and 59 mandibular first molar teeth. An apical delta was present in all roots (n = 334). The apical delta represented approximately 12-18% of the total root length for all roots. Non-apical ramifications from the main canal were observed in 25.1% of roots. Secondary canal(s) were present in 20.6% of roots, while lateral canal(s) were present in 6.9% of roots. The distal root of the maxillary fourth premolar had the highest incidence (47.2%) of non-apical ramifications. Overall, 68.0 and 20.4% of maxillary fourth premolar and mandibular first molar teeth had non-apical ramifications, respectively. The prevalence and location of non-apical ramifications may influence clinical decision making when performing endodontic therapy.
