Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of mandibular first molars in a Chinese population by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods In this study, CBCT images of 900 mandibular first molars were evaluated for the following details: (1) number of roots, (2) number of apical foramina, (3) frequency distribution of root canal configurations defined in accordance with Vertucci’s classification, and (4) frequency of occurrence of middle mesial (MM) canal. Results Overall, 74.9% of the evaluated mandibular first molars possessed two roots, and 55.4% exhibited three apical foramina. The evaluated teeth exhibited a relatively high prevalence of type IV canals in mesial (M) roots (76.8%) and type I canals in the distal (D) (79.4%), distobuccal (DB) (98.7%), and distolingual (DL) (100%) roots. There were no significant differences in the number of roots, incidence of apical foramina, or distribution of different canal configurations of mandibular first molars between men and women (P > 0.05). 1.9% of mandibular first molars possessed three mesial canals, and the highest frequency of occurrence of MM canals (4.1%) was among Chinese people below the age of 30 years. Conclusions CBCT scanning facilitates identification of the root canal system. In order to increase the success rate of treatment, it is important to obtain information about the variable morphology of root canals before endodontic treatment. Trial registration TJSKE20160412. Registered 12 April 2016.

Objective This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the von Mises stresses of a mandibular first premolar after removing a separated instrument with an ultrasonic technique. Methods FEA models of the original and treated mandibular first premolar were reconstructed, and three models (the original canal, size 30/taper 0.04 canal, and separated instrument removal canal) were created. Two-direction (vertical and lateral) loading patterns were simulated with a 175-N force. The maximum von Mises stresses of the models within the roots from the apex to the cervical region were collected and summarized. Results Under vertical and lateral loads, all maximal values in the three models were localized in the straight-line access region. Compared with the original model (model 1), the treated models (models 2 and 3) had greater maximum stress values from the apex to the cervical region. Greater differences in the maximum von Mises stresses between models 2 and 3 were present in the straight-line access region. Conclusions Separated instrument removal caused changes in stress distribution and increases in stress concentration in the straight-line access region of roots.