Uncovering the Enigma of the C-shaped Root Canal Morphology.

A C-shaped canal describes an anatomical configuration of a tooth's root canal that resembles the alphabet C when viewed occlusally in a prepared access cavity. In the second molar of the maxillary arch, the root canals unite into a single, continuous, extensive root canal morphology to form a C-shaped canal. The natural crevices found in tooth roots where blood vessels and nerves are housed are called root canals. The frequently referred etiology resulting in the development of the C-shaped canal arrangement is the inability of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath to undergo fusion. The occurrence of the C-shaped canal anatomic variation varies among populations, with the majority of cases occurring in mandibular second molars. C-shaped canals pose several challenges in endodontic treatment such as in their diagnosis, biomechanical preparation, debridement, and obturation. Nevertheless, the desired result can be achieved with relative ease if one has a solid grasp of the different root canal configurations and uses the relevant clinical expertise. Therefore, three-dimensional radiography is utilized to help identify and negotiate C-shaped canals by enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of the root canal system. Efficient C-shaped canal configuration treatment may be attained using hand-driven and rotary instruments assisted by sonic or ultrasonic hand-pieces. Four alternative gutta-percha filling methods are used in C-shaped canals: core-carrier, ultrasonic compaction, cold lateral compaction, and single cone with injectable gutta-percha. The core-carrier technique is the most efficient obturation technique in the C-shaped canal. Calcium silicate materials (CSMs) are also used for the obturation of C-shaped canals. The most frequently used CSMs are mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine.

Endodontic Retreatment of a Mandibular Second Molar With a C-shaped Root Canal Configuration: A Case Report.

Root canal retreatment in mandibular second molars with C-shaped root canal configurations presents notable challenges. This article presents a case of successful root canal retreatment in a mandibular second molar exhibiting this complex configuration. Achieving a successful endodontic outcome in such cases necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the unique root canal anatomy. Moreover, the employment of advanced instruments and techniques is crucial to effectively address the intricacies of the C-shaped root canal system.

Gap volume and sealer penetration of C-shaped root canals obturated with cold hydraulic technique and calcium silicate sealer.

This study compared the gap volume and sealer penetration in C-shaped root canals prepared with adaptive core rotary files and obturated with cold hydraulic compaction using calcium-silicate sealer, warm vertical hybrid compaction, or lateral compaction using epoxy-resin sealer. Thirty-six extracted mandibular molars with pulpal floor configuration Types I and III were used. The teeth were prepared using XP-Shaper and XP-Finisher and obturated with: group 1: cold hydraulic compaction/calcium silicate, group 2: warm vertical hybrid compaction/epoxy resin, or group 3: lateral compaction/epoxy resin. The gap volume was evaluated using µ-CT. The sealer penetration depth and area were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The gap volume in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0.82%, 0.24%, 0.80%, respectively, which were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The gap volumes in the obturated C-shaped canals were not significantly different among the CHC/CSBS, WHC/ERS, or LC/ERS groups. CHC/CSBS was the most convenient technique.

C-shaped Canal System in Maxillary Molars Evaluated by Cone- Beam Computed Tomography in an Argentine subpopulation / Conductos en C en molares superiores evaluados mediante tomografía cone-beam en una sub-población Argentina

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of maxillary first and second molars with a C-shaped canal system in an Argentine subpopulation, and to classify them. Materials and Method: Of the 332 CBCTs initially evaluated, 120 met the selection criteria. Once the presence of a C-shaped canal system had been established, the teeth were classified following Martins et al. Data were expressed as absolute frequencies, percentages with of 95% confidence intervals, according to the score test. Comparisons were analyzed by Chi-square test and Fisher' exact test, with 5% significance level. Results: It was found that 5 out of 120 first molars (4%) and 17 out of 152 second molars (11%) had a C-shaped canal system. Regarding the classification applied, of 5 C-shaped first molars, 2 corresponded to type E2 (40%), 2 corresponded to type C (40%), and 1 corresponded to type B1 (20%). Of 17 C-shaped second molars, 4 resembled a type A (24%), 7 resembled a type B1 (41%), 5 resembled a type B2 (29%), and 1 resembled a type C (6%). UC1 and UC2 configurations were the most common at all levels except apical level. Conclusion: The prevalence of C-shaped canal system pattern in maxillary first and second molars was estimated for the first time in an Argentine subpopulation, in vivo. Knowledge of these data should help clinicians during endodontic treatment.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de conductos en C en primeros y segundos molares superiores, en una subpoblación de Argentina. Materiales y Método: Se observaron 332 CBCTs, de las cuales 120 cumplieron los criterios de selección. Una vez determinada la presencia de conducto en C se clasificaron según Martins et al. Los datos fueron descriptos mediante frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes, con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95), según método score. Las comparaciones fueron analizadas mediante la prueba de Chi-cuadrado o exacta de Fisher con un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: De 120 primeros molares, 5 presentaron conductos en C, es decir un 4% y de 152 segundos molares, 17 presentaron conductos en C, es decir un 11%. Según la clasificación aplicada, de 5 primeros molares en C, 2 correspondieron al tipo E2 (40%), 2 al tipo C (40%) y 1 al tipo B1 (20%). De 17 segundos molares en C, 4 pertenecieron al tipo A (24%), 7 al tipo B1 (41%), 5 al tipo B2 (29%) y 1 al tipo C (6%). Las clasificaciones UC1 y UC2 fueron las más representativas en todos los niveles, excluyendo el tercio apical. Conclusión: La prevalencia de conductos en C en primeros y segundos molares superiores, fue estimada por primera vez en una subpoblación Argentina, in vivo. Los datos obtenidos en el presente estudio, resultan de interés para el abordaje de los tratamientos endodónticos.

Comprehensive evaluation of root and root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in a Saudi subpopulation evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The study's goal was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to assess the root and root canal anatomy of mandibular second molars with C-shaped root canal configurations in residents of the Hail district. The impact of gender and side on the frequency of root canal morphology was considered. METHODS: The sample size for this study was 304 untreated mandibular second molars with completely developed roots on the right and left sides. Using CBCT on the teeth, the root form and canal morphology for each root are based on Vertucci's classification. The occurrence of canals in the shape of a C. The prevalence and resemblance of the left and right sides or men and females were investigated. The Chi-square test was performed to evaluate the findings. RESULTS: Of the 304 mandibular second molars studied, 286 teeth had two roots (94.1%), whilst 13 (4.3%) were C-shaped root canal systems. 77 molars (25.3%) had two canal orifices, 219 (72.0%) had three canal orifices, and six (2.0%) and one (0.3%) had four and five root canal orifices, respectively. Type IV was the most common for mesial root, accounting for 57.7% of the sample (n = 176). For distal root, the most common occurrence was type I, which occurred 282 times (96.60%). The most prevalent root canal morphology was the presence of two canals in the mesial root and one canal in the distal root of teeth with two distinct roots (variant 3). (69.4%). The overall prevalence of C-shaped root canal systems is (4.3%) (n = 13). CONCLUSIONS: The patient's race is an undeniable factor that influences root canal anatomy. The root canal morphology of mandibular second molars revealed significant differences between Saudi subpopulations. The majority of mandibular second molars had two roots and three root canals. When treating these molars, the presence of a C-shaped root canal system must be taken into account.

Evaluation of C-shaped canals in maxillary molars in a Chinese population using CBCT.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped root canals in maxillary first (MFMs) and second (MSMs) molars in a Southwestern Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT images of MFMs (n = 1488) and MSMs (n = 1547) from 1508 subjects enrolled in Guiyang Hospital of Stomatology between July 2018 to February 2021 were evaluated for the incidence and types of C-shaped root canals. Differences by age, sex, left or right side, and bilateral symmetry were also evaluated. RESULTS: C-shaped root canals were present in 2.93% MFMs and MSMs (n = 3035) in the Southwestern Chinese population. A significant higher incidence was observed in the MSMs (5.24%) than in the MFMs (0.54%). Increased incidences were noted in teeth with fused root. Two major types and 5 subtypes of C-shaped canal system of maxillary molars were defined, and the most common type of C-shaped canals is fusion of mesial-buccal (MB) and distal-buccal (DB) canals (Type I subtype C). No significant gender and age differences were noted in the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in this population, and no significant difference was seen in its incidence in the left or right MFMs and MSMs. The bilateral occurrence was observed in 1.27% of the patients. CONCLUSION: C-shaped root canals are more frequently present in MSMs than in MFMs in the Southwestern Chinese population, with Type I subtype C (MB-DB canal fusion) as the most common subtype and low incidence of bilateral symmetry.

Evaluation of fracture strength of different restoration techniques applied to C-shaped 3D model teeth.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different restoration methods applied to model teeth with a C-shaped root canal configuration on fracture strength. A total of 76 artificial tooth models were made using images of a molar tooth with a C-shaped root canal anatomy. The teeth were randomly divided into seven groups and different restorations, such as resin composite (2), bundled fiber post and resin composite (3), vertical fiber post and resin composite (4), horizontal fiber post and resin composite (5), woven fiber post and resin composite (6) and composite endocrown (7) were applied to the different groups except control group (1). The artificial teeth were embedded in acrylic blocks and subjected to fracture tests. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Monte Carlo Pearson Chi-square, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). All groups differed in terms of fracture strength (P = 0.001). The highest fracture strength observed in group 6, and there was a significant difference between group 6 and group 4 based on a least significant difference pairwise comparison test. In terms of fracture type, the highest reparability percentage (100%) observed in group 7. The fracture strength values of endocrown restorations and woven fiber-reinforced resin composite restorations were found to be as high as those of the intact models. Considering also fracture restorability, endocrown restorations may be recommended for teeth with C-shaped root canal anatomy. The usage of the 3D tooth models in the studies offer a valuable opportunity in terms of the standardization of the samples, particularly in teeth with anatomical variations. This study shows that using of this technology, homogeneous groups can be created and experimental studies can be improved.

Effect of solvent on root canal filling material removal by two different rotary file systems in C-shaped root canals.

This study compared the percentage reduction of total obturation materials, gutta-percha and sealer, using two rotary file systems with/without solvent in retreating C-shaped root canals and to evaluate the effect of the solvent on instrument separation. C-shaped root canals were scanned using micro-CT to identify the root canal morphology and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12). Retreatment was performed using ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) or XP-endo systems with/without solvent. The number of separated instruments were recorded. The samples were scanned pre- and post-retreatment. The percentage reduction of total obturation materials, gutta-percha and sealer, were calculated. The percentage reduction of gutta-percha in the PTUR without solvent group was significantly lower than the other groups (P = 0.018). The number of separated instruments in the solvent groups were significantly lower than the no solvent groups (P < 0.05). Solvent increased gutta-percha removal, when using PTUR and decreased the occurrence of separated instruments for both systems.

C-shaped Canal System in Maxillary Molars Evaluated by Cone- Beam Computed Tomography in an Argentine subpopulation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of maxillary first and second molars with a C-shaped canal system in an Argentine subpopulation, and to classify them. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Of the 332 CBCTs initially evaluated, 120 met the selection criteria. Once the presence of a C-shaped canal system had been established, the teeth were classified following Martins et al. Data were expressed as absolute frequencies, percentages with of 95% confidence intervals, according to the score test. Comparisons were analyzed by Chi-square test and Fisher' exact test, with 5% significance level. RESULTS: It was found that 5 out of 120 first molars (4%) and 17 out of 152 second molars (11%) had a C-shaped canal system. Regarding the classification applied, of 5 C-shaped first molars, 2 corresponded to type E2 (40%), 2 corresponded to type C (40%), and 1 corresponded to type B1 (20%). Of 17 C-shaped second molars, 4 resembled a type A (24%), 7 resembled a type B1 (41%), 5 resembled a type B2 (29%), and 1 resembled a type C (6%). UC1 and UC2 configurations were the most common at all levels except apical level. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of C-shaped canal system pattern in maxillary first and second molars was estimated for the first time in an Argentine subpopulation, in vivo. Knowledge of these data should help clinicians during endodontic treatment.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de conductos en C en primeros y segundos molares superiores, en una subpoblación de Argentina. Materiales y Método: Se observaron 332 CBCTs, de las cuales 120 cumplieron los criterios de selección. Una vez determinada la presencia de conducto en C se clasificaron según Martins et al. Los datos fueron descriptos mediante frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes, con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95), según método score. Las comparaciones fueron analizadas mediante la prueba de Chi-cuadrado o exacta de Fisher con un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: De 120 primeros molares, 5 presentaron conductos en C, es decir un 4% y de 152 segundos molares, 17 presentaron conductos en C, es decir un 11%. Según la clasificación aplicada, de 5 primeros molares en C, 2 correspondieron al tipo E2 (40%), 2 al tipo C (40%) y 1 al tipo B1 (20%). De 17 segundos molares en C, 4 pertenecieron al tipo A (24%), 7 al tipo B1 (41%), 5 al tipo B2 (29%) y 1 al tipo C (6%). Las clasificaciones UC1 y UC2 fueron las más representativas en todos los niveles, excluyendo el tercio apical. Conclusión: La prevalencia de conductos en C en primeros y segundos molares superiores, fue estimada por primera vez en una subpoblación Argentina, in vivo. Los datos obtenidos en el presente estudio, resultan de interés para el abordaje de los tratamientos endodónticos.

Relationship between root canal merging and presence of C-shaped canal in fused rooted maxillary molar teeth / Relação entre a fusão do canal radicular e a presença de canal em forma de C em dentes molares maxilares fundidos e enraizados

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of root fusion and the incidence of C-shaped canals in maxillary first molar (MFM) and maxillary second molar (MSM) teeth using cone-beam computed tomography. Material and Methods: In this study, a total of 1233 MFMs and 1406 MSMs from 802 patients were analyzed. First, the number of fused rooted teeth and the type of root fusion were determined. Subsequently, incidence and number of C-shaped canals were ascertained according to the type of fusion, location, position, and level of canal merging in teeth with fused roots. Six types were established according to the C-shape configurations observed. Presence of root fusion and the C-shaped canal according to gender, age, and tooth position were evaluated by chi-square test. Values with p< 0.05 were considered significant in statistical tests. Results: The incidence of fusion in the MFM and MSM teeth was 6.16% and 22.40%, respectively. Only three MFMs (0.24%) and 3.77% of the MSMs had C-shaped canals. While the incidence of fusion was higher in women (p< 0.05), the C shaped morphology was not affected by sex (p> 0.05). Individuals over the age of 50 years had a lower incidence of C-shaped canals (p< 0.05). Conclusion: C-shaped canal morphology was more commonly associated with complex types of root fusion involving three roots; 16.83% of MSMs with fused roots had C-shaped canals (AU).

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de fusão radicular e a incidência de canais em C nos dentes do primeiro molar superior (MFM) e do segundo molar superior (MSM) por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Material e Métodos: Neste estudo, um total de 1233 MFMs e 1406 MSMs de 802 pacientes foram analisados. Primeiro, o número de dentes com raízes fundidas e o tipo de fusão radicular foram determinados. Posteriormente, a incidência e o número de canais em forma de C foram verificados de acordo com o tipo de fusão, localização, posição e nível de fusão do canal nos dentes com raízes fundidas. Seis tipos foram estabelecidos de acordo com as configurações em forma de C observadas. A presença de fusão radicular e do canal em C de acordo com sexo, idade e posição dentária foram avaliadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Valores com p <0,05 foram considerados significativos nos testes estatísticos. Resultados: A incidência de fusão nos dentes MFM e MSM foi de 6,16% e 22,40%, respectivamente. Apenas três MFMs (0,24%) e 3,77% dos MSMs tinham canais em forma de C. Enquanto a incidência de fusão foi maior em mulheres (p <0,05), a morfologia em forma de C não foi afetada pelo sexo (p> 0,05). Indivíduos com mais de 50 anos apresentaram menor incidência de canais em C (p <0,05). Conclusão: a morfologia do canal em forma de C foi mais comumente associada a tipos complexos de fusão radicular envolvendo três raízes; 16,83% dos HSH com raízes fundidas tinham canais em forma de C (AU).

Supernumerary roots in maxillary deciduous canines: A rare anomaly with a long history.

OBJECTIVE: To describe two maxillary deciduous bi-rooted canines, one archeological and one modern, and examine the possible etiology of this condition. DESIGN: Two cases of bi-rooted canines were described and compared to published examples. Both specimens were radiographed and measured and compared to one-rooted samples. The archeological specimen was scanned using CBCT to facilitate detailed examination of the deciduous teeth. The extracted modern tooth was embedded in epoxy resin and two coronal sections were cut, one through the crown and one through the roots and examined with a light microscope. RESULTS: The bi-rooted canines were larger than the control samples. They showed none of the features commonly associated with gemination. The radiographs and scans showed that the canine roots in the archeological case diverged mesio-distally like the buccal roots in the adjacent first deciduous molar. In the clinical case, the root trunk was elongated mesio-distally and the furcation was located very close to the apex with a C-shaped root canal. CONCLUSIONS: Both variants of the condition described above are rare in deciduous canines. They do not seem to be associated with fusion or gemination. However, as the teeth are relatively flattened bucco-lingually and we tentatively propose that this form results from spatial constraints during the early stages of crown development that have contributed to the development of additional roots. The megadont dimension of the recent bi-rooted deciduous canine may affect root development and the necessity of two mesio-distally located roots for anchorage in the maxilla.

Prevalence of complex root canal morphology in the mandibular first and second premolars in Thai population: CBCT analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular premolars demonstrate high variability in root canal morphology, especially mandibular first premolars. The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of root canal configurations of mandibular premolars according to Vertucci classification in a Thai population. METHODS: Total of 1159 CBCT images of Thai patients who received radiographic imaging at the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University in 2017-2018 was evaluated. The data were reported using descriptive statistics and the relationship between the prevalence of the root canal complexities and sex was analyzed using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: The most common root canal configuration was Vertucci type I, with a 63.1% and 98% prevalence in the mandibular first and second premolars, respectively. More than 98% of mandibular premolars had a single root. The prevalence of a bifurcation was 28.5% and 1.5% in the mandibular first and second premolars, respectively. The prevalence of a trifurcation was 3.2% in the mandibular first premolar. A C-shaped root canal was observed at 23.7% and 0.7% in the mandibular first and second premolars, respectively. The level of branching was mostly found at the middle 1/3 of the root. Bilateral appearance of the same root canal configuration was identified in 80.3% and 95.9% in the mandibular first and second premolars, respectively. There was no relationship between sex and the prevalence of a bifurcation, trifurcation, or C-shaped root canal. CONCLUSION: Mandibular first premolars have more root canal complexities than mandibular second premolars. Horizontal tube shift x-ray technique, CBCT, dental operating microscope, and knowledge of root canal configurations have an important role in root canal identification in mandibular premolar with suspected complex root canal morphology.

Bilaterality and symmetry of c-shaped mandibular second molars in a Mexican Maya and non-Maya population: a CBCT in vivo study / Bilateralidad y simetría de los segundos molares mandibulares en forma de c en una población mexicana Maya y no Maya: estudio in vivo mediante CBCT

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the bilaterality and symmetry in C-shaped mandibular second molars in Mexican Maya and non-Maya populations using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Five-hundred-twenty-five CBCT scans of patients with left and right mandibular second molars were analyzed to determine the prevalence and bilaterality. The teeth were assessed for the presence of C-shaped root canals, according to Fan et al. (2004) criteria. The sample was subdivided by ethnicity, sex, unilateral/bilateral presence, side of the longitudinal groove, and the C-shaped root canal configuration and symmetry, at the cervical, middle, and apical cross- sections of the root. C-shaped mandibular second molars were present in 24.95% of the individuals. Most (60.30%) of those showing this trait had it bilaterally. When comparing by ethnicity, sex, and side, we detected no significant differences. The vast majority (97.33%) presented the groove along the lingual side. The C3 was the most prevalent configuration in the overall sample, while in the Maya group, the C1 was the most common configuration. When analyzed by sex and ethnic group, the non-Maya females tended to deviate from the other groups in terms of bilaterality. Overall, 55.70% of bilateral C-shaped mandibular second molars were also symmetric in the three radicular thirds. The prevalence of C-shaped mandibular second molars was similar to that reported for northernAsian populations, which is consistent with the evolutionary origins of Native American populations. Most of the sample showed bilaterality and half were symmetric. Clinicians must be aware of the ethnic background of their patients and consider the possible variations to do more predictable root canal treatments.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la bilateralidad y simetría de los segundos molares mandibulares en forma de C en una población Mexicana Maya y no-Maya mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Material and Métodos: Se analizaron quinientos veinticinco tomografías de pacientes con segundos molares mandibularesderecho e izquierdo para determinar la prevalencia y bilateralidad. Los dientes fueron evaluados según la presencia de conductos en forma de C de acuerdo a los criterios de Fan et al. La muestra fue subdividida por etnicidad, sexo, presencia bilateral/unilateral, lado del surco y configuración y simetría de los conductos en los cortes transversales cervical, medio y apical. Los segundos molares mandibulares en forma de C estuvieron presentes en el 24.95 % de los individuos. La mayoría (60.30%) de los que mostraron este rasgo lo hicieron de forma bilateral. El comparar por etnicidad, sexo y lado, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La gran mayoría (97.33%) presentó el surco por lingual. C3 fue la configuración más prevalente en la muestra general, mientras que en el grupo Maya el C1 fue la más común. El análisis por sexo y grupo étnico arrojó que las mujeres no Mayas tendieron a desviarse de los otros grupos en términos de bilateralidad. El 55.70% de los segundos molares mandibulares bilaterales fueron simétricos en sus tres tercios radiculares. La prevalencia de los segundos molars mandibulares en forma de C fue similar a la reportada para las poblaciones del norte de Asia, lo cual es consistente con los orígenes evolutivos de las poblaciones nativas americanas. La mayor parte de la muestra presentó el rasgo de forma bilateral y la mitad de éstos fueron simétricos. Los odontólogos deben tomar en cuenta el origen étnico de sus pacientes y considerar las posibles variaciones para realizar tratamientos endodónticos más predecibles.

Disinfecting and Shaping Type I C-shaped Root Canals: A Correlative Micro-computed Tomographic and Molecular Microbiology Study.

INTRODUCTION: This ex vivo study compared the disinfection and shaping abilities of 2 preparation protocols in C-shaped canals. METHODS: Mandibular second molars with type I C-shaped canals were pair matched based on micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) analysis and distributed into 2 groups. The canals were contaminated with a mixed bacterial culture and prepared using 2 protocols, both with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation: XP-endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) supplemented with XP-endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire) (XP-E) and BioRaCe (FKG Dentaire) supplemented with a Hedström file (Dentsply/Sirona, Tulsa, OK) (BR-Hed). Micro-CT scans and intracanal bacteriologic samples were taken before (scan #1 and sample 1) and after preparation (scan #2 and sample 2) and after the supplementary step (scan #3 and sample 3). Canal shaping was evaluated by micro-CT imaging, and disinfection was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Micro-CT data from the XP-E (n = 21) and BR-Hed (n = 23) protocols revealed no significant differences between groups regarding shaping parameters (canal volume, surface area, structure model index, and prepared walls) after preparation and after the supplementary step (P > .05). All these parameters significantly increased after each preparation step (P < .05), except for structure model index changes after the XP-endo Finisher (P > .05). Bacteriologic data from the XP-E (n = 21) and BR-Hed (n = 22) groups showed that 14 (66.7%) and 10 (45.5%) S2 samples still had detectable bacteria, respectively. The corresponding figures for supplementary steps with the XP-endo Finisher and Hedström file were 11 (52.4%) and 10 (45.5%), respectively. Bacterial counts in sample 1 significantly decreased in samples 2 and 3 in both groups (P < .01). Intragroup comparison between sample 2 and sample 3 showed a 66% reduction in counts after using the Hedström file and 18% after using the XP-endo Finisher (P > .05 for both groups). The quantitative bacterial reduction was not different between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The XP-endo Shaper and BioRaCe systems have similar disinfecting and shaping abilities in C-shaped canals. Supplementary steps with the Hedström file and the XP-endo Finisher were similarly effective in improving shaping, but this was not sufficient to enhance disinfection. About half of the cases, in both groups, still harbored detectable amounts of bacteria.

Association between the presence of distolingual root in mandibular first molars and the presence of C-shaped mandibular second molars: a CBCT study in a Taiwanese population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of C-shaped canals in permanent mandibular second molars (SMs) and to determine whether its appearance was associated with the presence of distolingual root (DLR) in permanent mandibular first molars (FMs). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Three hundred and eighty patients were qualified for evaluation of their FMs and SMs using cone beam computed tomography. The prevalence, distribution pattern, external root morphology, and the internal root canal anatomy of the examined molars were recorded and analyzed. Furthermore, the association between the root canal configurations of SMs and the appearance of DLR in FMs was also assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of SMs with C-shaped root canals was 44.7%. The most common root canal configuration type of the one-rooted SMs with C-shaped anatomy was C3 (45.6%), followed by C2 and C1. The frequency of C-shaped canals in SMs was 45.4% in Non-DLR group, 52.8% in unilateral DLR group, and 33.9% in bilateral DLR group, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in SMs with the presence of bilateral DLRs in FMs was significantly lowered. CONCLUSION: The association between the presence of DLR in FMs and C-shaped canal configurations in neighboring SMs was surveyed, and the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in SMs with the presence of bilateral DLRs in FMs was found to be significantly lowered.

Mandibular molar C-shaped root canals in 5th millennium BC China.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and variations in C-shaped canals in ancient Chinese teeth and compare the differences of these features between ancient and age-matched modern populations. DESIGN: Approximately 5000-year-old craniofacial bone remains were collected from the fossils of 38 individuals (total: 68 mandibular second molars) excavated from the Jiaojia site. The control group comprised of an equal number of randomly selected modern samples. We used cone-beam computed tomography to scan the mandible along the apex-crown axis and analyzed the canal morphology, based on Fan's categorization criterion, at 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm to the apical level. Grooves on the lingual and buccal sides were also recorded. RESULTS: The proportion of C-shaped roots among ancient samples on the left and right sides were 48.57 % (17/35 teeth) and 54.55 % (18/33 teeth), respectively, and 51.47 % (35/68 teeth) in the total sample. Conversely, in the control group, 44.12 % (15/34) and 38.24 % (13/34) occurred on the left and right sides, respectively, and 41.18 % (28/68) in the total sample. Among the C-shaped canals from the Jiaojia site samples, the classification type changed between two adjacent levels in 84.31 % of samples. Approximately 35 (51.5 %) teeth had a fused root, 20 (29.41 %) had one shallow buccal and one deep lingual groove. The occurrence of C-shape variation was not significantly correlated with time (p＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a high rate of C-shaped root canals among individuals of Jiaojia who lived approximately 5000 years ago.

Cone-beam computed tomography study of C-shaped root canal of mandibular premolars / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the incidence and morphology of C-shaped root canals in mandibular premolars by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, which provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*Methods @#The CBCT scanning data of 964 mandibular first premolars and 907 mandibular second premolars in 508 cases were collected, and the root canal morphology, incidence of C-shaped root canals, bilateral symmetry and location of radicular grooves were analyzed.@*Results@#The incidence of C-shaped root canals in mandibular first premolars was 4.1% and that in mandibular second premolars was 0.6%. The incidence of C-shaped root canals of mandibular first premolars was significantly higher than that of mandibular second premolars (χ2=25.775, P < 0.001). The symmetrical ratio of C-shaped root canals in the mandibular first premolars was 29%. There were no symmetrical C-shaped root canals in the mandibular second premolars. There were significant differences in the distribution of the C-shaped root canal configuration in the root canal (P < 0.001). The C-shaped configuration mainly existed in the middle axial and apical level of the mandibular premolars. The C2 type was more common. No C-shape was found in the coronal level of the mandibular premolars. Vertucci I single tube type was the most common type of root canal for the mandibular premolars included in this study; the incidences were 81.7% and 98.3% for the mandibular first and second premolars, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=140.544, P < 0.001). The other root canal types of mandibular first premolars were more than those of mandibular second premolars. The incidences of Vertucci Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ and C-shaped root canals in mandibular first premolars were significantly higher than those in mandibular second premolars. C-shaped root canal mandibular premolars had radicular grooves, and most of them were located at the mesiolingual side.@*Conclusion@# The morphology of the C-shaped root canal in mandibular premolars was complicated. CBCT can provide direct and accurate imaging evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Frequency of non-single canals in mandibular premolars and correlations with other anatomical variants: an in vivo cone beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: A knowledge regarding anatomical variants is important to achieve success in endodontic treatment. Root canal treatment of mandibular first premolars (PM1 s) is challenging due to the existence of numerous variations in canal configurations, including a C-shaped variant. We aim to determine the frequency and morphologic characteristics of non-single canals of mandibular first (PM1 s) and second (PM2 s) premolars in a Korean population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate correlations between non-single canals of PM1 s and other anatomical variants, such as distolingual roots (DLRs) in mandibular first molars (M1 s) and C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars (M2 s). METHODS: A total of 971 PM1 s and 997 PM2 s from 500 patients were examined in vivo by CBCT. Root canal configurations and C-shaped canals were determined in accordance with the Vertucci classification and Fan classification, respectively. The correlation between non-single canals in PM1 s and DLRs in M1 s was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: PM2 s typically had one root (99.89%) with one canal (98.4%). Among PM1 s with non-single canals (21.2%), Vertucci type V (10.9%) and C-shaped (3.7%) canals were prevalent. Among C-shaped PM1 canals, the majority were Vertucci type V (77.8%); a C-shaped configuration (C2) was predominant mostly at the middle and/or apical third of the root. After adjusting for other variables (i.e., sex, age, and side), C-shaped canals in PM1 s was significantly correlated with the presence of DLRs in M1 s (odds ratio = 2.616; 95% confidence interval, 1.257-5.443; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of C-shaped PM1 canals was positively related to the presence of DLRs in M1 s. Although C-shaped canals in PM1 s are difficult to distinguish, this finding could aid clinicians in predicting C-shaped canal configurations in PM1 s of patients who exhibit DLRs in M1 s.