Anatomical Evaluation of Mandibular Molars in a Saudi Population: An In Vivo Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Objective. This study assessed the canal configuration of mandibular molars according to Vertucci’s classification of a Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods. A total of 290 first and 367 second mandibular molars were analyzed. The CBCT images were evaluated in three sections to inspect the number of roots and canals and canal system. The data are presented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-squared test was used to assess differences between both sides. SPSS was used for analysis, with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Results. Among the first molars, 95.4% of the teeth had two roots, and 64.5% had three canals. Approximately 57.9% showed Vertucci type IV mesial roots. Between the second molars, 89.6% of teeth had two roots and 80.4% had three canals. The frequency of Vertucci type IV (39.4%) was the highest in mesial roots. The first molars showed a high prevalence of 3-rooted teeth (5.5%). Both the right and left sides showed teeth with similar external and internal anatomy p < 0.05 . Conclusion. Most of the mandibular first and second molars had two roots and three canals. In the first mandibular molars, similar to the second mandibular molars, the majority of the mesial canals had Vertucci type IV, while the distal canals had Vertucci type I.

Comprehensive evaluation of root and root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in a Saudi subpopulation evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography

“…C-shaped canals were found in 4.3% of mandibular first molars in this research, which is comparable to Brazilians (3.5%) [ 11 ] and Turkish (4.1%) [ 12 ]. The current investigation found a lower prevalence than a previous study in Saudi Arabians (9.1%) [ 13 , 24 ]. However, it was much lower than the findings obtained by Lebanese (19.1%) [ 45 ], Chinese (29%, 38.6%) [ 9 , 18 ], Koreans (39.8%) [ 8 ], and Malaysians (48.7%) [ 46 ].…”

“…The majority of mandibular second molar teeth (94.1%) had two roots, which was consistent with earlier research from diverse groups [ 13 , 34 , 35 ]. This is with the same line to the findings found in Turkish (85.4%) [ 12 ], Indians (88.8%) [ 36 ], Belgians (83.93%), and Chileans (86.61%) [ 10 ].…”

“…A third root located distolingually (radix entomolaris) or mesiobuccally (radix paramolaris) has been observed in 1.2% of Thais [ 6 ] 3.5% of Brazilians [ 11 ] and 3.45% of Turkish [ 12 ]. According to Mashyakhy et al [ 13 ], most first and second mandibular molars have two roots and three canals, with the presence of a third root not uncommon. The canal configuration varies by population and is influenced by race, genetics, and ethnicity.…”

“…In general, the root canal morphology of mandibular second molars differs considerably amongst people and cultural groups all around the world. Some locations in Saudi Arabia investigated the root canal anatomy of mandibular second molars [ 13 , 14 , 19 , 20 ]. However, there is no published study on the root and canal morphology of the mandibular second molars in Hail district.…”

Prevalence of Three-Rooted Deciduous Mandibular Molars in the Children of Northwestern Iran

“…This extra root is usually smaller than the distal root, and its specific curvature urges extra attention during root canal therapy. Many cases of three-rooted molars in permanent dentition have been recorded since then [ 11 , 13 – 15 ].…”