Frequency of root canal configurations of maxillary premolars as assessed by cone-beam computerized tomography scans in the Pakistani subpopulation

Abstract

Introduction: The understanding of canal morphology helps the clinician to conduct endodontic procedures effectively. The aim of the study was to assess the morphological variations in canals of maxillary premolars, and categorize them in accordance with Vertucci's classification. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images were taken from the archives of Islamabad Diagnostic Center. Investigations were carried out by employing CBCT images of 120 individuals. The images of maxillary first (n = 203) and second premolars (n = 205) were analyzed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. The number of canals, roots, and categorization as per the Vertucci's classification was recorded. Data were statistically analyzed by using SPSS 23. Results: The 88.7% maxillary first premolars were found to have two roots and 78% of second premolars were single rooted. The most common Vertucci configuration among first premolars was Type IV (55.3%) and second premolars were Type I (66.8%). The gender-wise difference in the frequency of one- and two-rooted second maxillary premolars was statistically significant (P = 0.01). The gender-wise difference in the frequency of different Vertucci subclassifications for the second maxillary premolars teeth was statistically significant (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The maxillary premolars showed configuration variations in the Pakistani subpopulation.

Keywords

• cone-beam computerized tomography
• maxillary first premolar
• maxillary second premolar
• root canal morphology
• vertucci classification