Evaluation of middle mesial canal prevalence and morphology in mandibular molars in a Turkish population by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and morphology of the middle mesial (MM) canal in the mandibular first, second, and third molars of a Turkish population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CBCT scans of 637 patients were analyzed. Molar teeth with complete root development and without prior root canal treatment were included, counting 2177 mandibular molars. The prevalence of isthmus and MM canal, and the morphology of the MM canals (confluent, independent, or fin-type canals) was determined in different molar groups. Data analysis was performed by the chi-square test, and the intra-observer reliability was assessed using the Kappa coefficient at a significance level of P0.05).Conclusions: The MM canal is occasionally observed in mandibular molars, predominantly in the first molars, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis to reduce post-operative complications. The majority of identified MM canals were of the confluent type.

Keywords

• cone-beam computed tomography
• dental pulp
• endodontic treatment
• molar
• mandible