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. 2018 Jul-Sep;12(3):434-438.
doi: 10.4103/ejd.ejd_116_18.

Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis on root and canal morphology of mandibular first permanent molar among multiracial population in Western European population

Gianluca Gambarini  1 , Lucila Piasecki  2 , Priscilla Ropini  1 , Gabriele Miccoli  1 , Dario Di Nardo  1 , Luca Testarelli  1
Affiliations

Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis on root and canal morphology of mandibular first permanent molar among multiracial population in Western European population

Gianluca Gambarini et al. Eur J Dent. 2018 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, confluent canals in the mandibular first molar's mesial root were investigated in an Italian population by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: A total of 200 molars, selected from the CBCT examinations of 130 patients who required this type of X-ray study as part of their dental treatment, were examined. The evaluated parameters were number of canals, root canal system configuration, presence of apical confluences, distance between confluences and apical foramina, which canal had a higher degree of curvature, and symmetry between left and right elements in the same individual.

Statistical analysis used: Percentages of the cases were reported.

Results: All the examined roots presented two canals. In 59% of cases, a Vertucci Type IV canal configuration was observed, while in 41% of cases, a Type II configuration was observed. Apical confluences were present in 41% of cases. The average distance between confluences and apical foramina was 2.85 mm. When confluences were present, the mesiobuccal canal showed a higher degree of curvature in 78% of cases. Symmetry in Vertucci configuration was seen in 88% of cases.

Conclusions: Apical confluences in the mesial roots of mandibular molar can be present in a significantly high number of cases, and their recognition is essential to prevent the iatrogenic errors during canal instrumentation.

Keywords: Anatomy; cone-beam computed tomography; endodontics; root canal treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Visualization of canal trajectories and (blue) confluences in three different first molars (a, b, c). The most difficult canal is drawn in red.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Visualization of canal trajectories and (blue) confluences in two molars (a, b) presenting a more coronal confluence than teeth in Figure 1. The most difficult canal is drawn in red.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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