Anatomical Evaluation of Maxillary Premolars in a Saudi Population: An In Vivo Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Aim and objectives: Evaluation of the root canal morphology of maxillary premolars was the primary objective of this study, on the criteria of the roots present, canals detected in the roots, and anatomical canal patterns according to Vertucci's classification observed in the Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic analysis comparing them to previous reports in the same population.

Materials and methods: A total of 710 maxillary 1st and 2nd premolars were considered in this research; of which 351 were 1st premolars and 359 were 2nd premolars. These premolars were investigated for their external and internal anatomy using CBCT. Teeth with apical closure and complete root development were included in the study. Endodontically treated teeth, teeth with calcified canals or resorbed roots, as well as unclear teeth on CBCT images were excluded.

Results: Among the 351 maxillary 1st premolars, 40.7% of teeth had 1 root, 57.5% had 2 roots, and 1.7% had 3 roots. Around 93.2% of teeth had 2 canals, 3.7% had 1 canal, 2.6% had 3 canals, and 0.4% had 4 canals. According to Vertucci's classification, 63.8% of teeth had class IV configuration, 14.8% had class V configuration, 7.7% had class III configuration, and 6.8% had class II configuration. Likewise, among the maxillary second premolars, 88% of teeth had 1 root and 12% of teeth had 2 roots. Around 38.2% of teeth had a single canal while 61.0% of teeth had 2 canals, and 3 teeth were found with the extra canal (had 3 canals). More than one-third (38.2%) of teeth had Vertucci type I, 19.2% had Vertucci type IV, 15.3% had Vertucci type III, and 12.3% had Vertucci type V.

Conclusion: Maxillary first premolars had a higher prevalence of 2 roots, whereas one root was predominant in second premolars. Most of the maxillary premolars had 2 canals with the majority having Vertucci type IV in the first premolars and type I in the second premolars.

Clinical significance: Maxillary premolars present with external and internal anatomical variations, so clinician should be aware about these varieties by taking small field of view CBCT when needed which will be of great value.

Keywords: Anatomy; Cone-beam computed tomography; Maxillary premolars; Root canal morphology Saudi population..