Evaluation of root and root canal morphology of 526 maxillary second molars and anatomical relationship with the sinus floor using CBCT

Abstract

Objective To study anatomical structures of the maxillary second molars (MSM) roots and canals and the relationship between root apices and the maxillary sinus. Methods Cone beam computed tomography imaging data of 526 MSM from 263 patients were evaluated retrospectively. The patient age, number of roots and canals, number of fused roots, type of root canal curvature, and anatomical relationship to the sinus floor were all documented and analyzed. Results It was found that the majority of MSM had three roots (59.1%), and the incidence of three root canals with three roots was the highest (47.3%). Fused roots were found in 192 (36.5%) of the teeth examined. Palatal root canals of two-root, two-canal, and three-root, three-canal teeth had more curvature in the buccolingual direction than in the mesiodistal direction. The mesial buccal roots of MSM with three roots tended to extend into the maxillary sinus and the palatine roots of the three-rooted MSM tended to separate from the maxillary sinus. The distance between MSM and the sinus floor increased with age(P<0.05). Conclusion The root and canal shape of MSM varies widely among a sample of individuals.

Keywords

• |cone beam computed tomography|fused teeth|root canal curvature|maxillary second molars|maxillary sinus