The prevalence, configuration, and prediction of second mesiobuccal canals in maxillary second molars in West Bengal population – A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Objective: This study’s objective is to analyze the prevalence as well as the configuration of second mesiobuccal (MB2) in maxillary 2nd molars and predict its existence based on mesiobuccal-palatal (MB-P) distance, MB-P/distobuccal-palatal (DB-P) distance ratio and mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal orifice (MDP) angle with the help of cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The presence and absence of MB2 are noted down in 300 maxillary 2nd molars. Canal configuration was observed from the orifice to the apex in the mesiobuccal root. Interorifice distances of MB-DB, MB-P, and DB-P were measured. MB-P and DB-P ratios have been computed. MDP angle was also measured. Then, MB2 existence and the above factors are correlated. Results: The prevalence of MB2 is increased as the values increase in MB-P distance (>5.25 mm), MB-P and DB-P ratio (>1.25), and MDP angle (>95°). Out of 150 MB2 teeth, Vertucci type 2, 4, and 8 Configurations are seen in 103 (68.6%), 46 (30.6%), and 1 (0.67%), respectively. Conclusions: This positive correlation between MB2 presence and these three factors helps clinicians to identify MB2 canals effectively.