Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Root Morphology of the Premolars in Saudi Arabian Subpopulation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate root canal configuration and morphology of premolar teeth among Saudi subpopulations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 314 patients comprising 346 maxillary and 412 mandibular first premolar (FPM) teeth, 298 maxillary and 387 mandibular second premolar (SPM) teeth were analyzed to evaluate the number of roots, root canal morphology, and configuration based on the Vertucci's classification. The average intra-class correlation coefficient value was 0.931. Results: In the maxillary first premolar, 52.6% were two separate rooted and single rooted teeth, with one canal in 81.2% of the maxillary second premolar. Among the mandibular FPM, 96.6% of the teeth had one root and canal, and 97.9% of mandibular SPM had one root and canal. Type 1 canal configuration was seen as most common in all premolars. The number of roots in mandibular premolars did not reveal the difference among gender. Conclusion: Wide variations in root canal morphology and canal configuration system exists among maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth.

Keywords

• Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
• Dental Pulp Cavity
• Endodontics
• Dentition