Abstract
Background
A knowledge regarding anatomical variants is important to achieve success in endodontic treatment. Root canal treatment of mandibular first premolars (PM1s) is challenging due to the existence of numerous variations in canal configurations, including a C-shaped variant. We aim to determine the prevalence and morphologic characteristics of non-single canals of mandibular first (PM1s) and second (PM2s) premolars in a Korean population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate correlations between non-single canals of PM1s and other anatomical variants, such as distolingual roots (DLRs) in mandibular first molars (M1s) and C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars (M2s).
Methods
A total of 971 PM1s and 997 PM2s 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 PM1s and DLRs in M1s was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.
Results
PM2s typically had one root (99.89%) with one canal (98.4%). Among PM1s 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 PM1s was significantly correlated with the presence of DLRs in M1s (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 M1s. Although C-shaped canals in PM1s are difficult to distinguish, this finding could aid clinicians in predicting C-shaped canal configurations in PM1s of patients who exhibit DLRs in M1s.
Computed tomography anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and anatomical variants of clinical relevants in Nigerian adults
