Evaluation of root and canal morphology of permanent first molars with cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective study

Purpose: This retrospective study is aimed to analyze and characterize the root canal morphology of mandibular and maxillary first molars in a Turkish population by analyzing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
Methods: 460 maxillary first molars and 432 mandibular first molars from patients, 228 females and 232 males aged 18–72 years were included in this study. The number of root canals and the canal configurations were investigated and then classified according to Vertucci’s classification. The data were analyzed with the Pearson Chi square test.
Results: The Type Ⅳ canal configuration was most prevalent in the maxillary first molar 99(42.67%) 100(43.85%) Repectively. Type Ⅳ canal configuration was most prevalent in the mandibular first molar 100 (50.50%) 112 (52.09%). Eight cases of radix entomolaris were found (four males and four females).
Conclusion: Among distal roots, males had a significantly higher incidence of a single canal compared to females.

Keywords: CBCT, mandibular, maxillar, root canal congiguration, Vertucci