›› 2020, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (5): 443-447.

• Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Root and canal configuration of mandibular first molars in an East Chinese Han population: An in vivo cone-beam computed tomographic study

  

  • Received:2019-10-25 Revised:2019-12-03 Online:2020-05-26 Published:2020-06-08

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the root and canal configuration of mandibular first molars (MFMs) in a native Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 1741 MFMs from 1067 patients were retrieved from a CBCT imaging database. The root number, canal morphology and correlation between root number and the prevalence of middle mesial canals (MMCs) with sex and age were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of three-rooted MFMs was 29.81% (519/1741), with no significant sex difference(P>0.05). The prevalence of Vertucci type IV canals was 34.20% (415/1220) in the mesial roots of two-rooted MFMs and 36.61% (190/519) in three-rooted MFMs. Vertucci type I canals were mostly detected in the distal roots (42.54%, 519/1220) of two-rooted MFMs, and the distobuccal (93.26%, 484/519) and distolingual (100%, 519/519) roots of three-rooted MFMs. No significant sex differences were observed. Additionally, the overall prevalence of MMCs was 6.49% (113/1741). The prevalence of MMCs decreased with age over 20 years old, and the incidence was higher in males (7.04%, 68/965) than females (5.80%, 45/776) (P<0.05). Conclusions: CBCT was valuable in detecting MMCs in MFMs, as well as other complex root canal morphology. There was no significant sex difference in the occurrence of three-rooted MFMs. The prevalence of MMCs was higher in males than females, with an average prevalence of 6.49%, and the incidence was lower in older versus younger patients.

Key words: Cone-beam computed tomography, mandibular molar, mesial middle canal, root canal morphology

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