A Microcomputed Tomographic Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Second Premolars in a Pakistani Cohort

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate variations in the root canal morphology of maxillary second premolar (MSP) teeth using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Sixty (N = 60) human extracted MSPs were collected and prepared for micro-CT scanning. The duration for scanning a single sample ranged between 30 and 40 min and a three-dimensional (3-D) image was obtained for all the MSPs. The images were evaluated by a single observer who recorded the canal morphology type, number of roots, canal orifices, apical foramina(s), apical delta(s), and accessory canals. The root canal configuration was categorized in agreement with Vertucci’s classification, and any configuration not in agreement with Vertucci’s classification was reported as an “additional canal configuration”. Descriptive statistics (such as mean percentages) were calculated using SPSS software. The most common types agreeing with Vertucci’s classification (in order of highest to lowest incidence) were types I, III, V, VII, II, and VI. The teeth also exhibited four additional configurations that were different from Vertucci’s classification: types 2-3, 1-2-3, 2-1-2-1, and 1-2-1-3. A single root was found in 96.7% and the majority of the samples demonstrated two canals (73.3%). Further, 80% of the teeth showed one canal orifice. The number of apical foramina’s in the teeth was variable, with 56.7% having solitary apical foramen. The accessory canal was found in 33.3%, and apical delta was found in only 20% of the samples. Variable morphology of the MSPs was detected in our study. The canal configuration most prevalent was type 1; however, the results also revealed some additional canal types.

Keywords

• root canal
• maxillary second premolar
• micro-CT
• tomography
• dentistry