Frequency of Multiple Canals in Mandibular Premolars and its Correlation with Other Anatomical Variants (C Shaped Canals in Mandibular Second Molars): A Retrospective and Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Recognition of variations in molar root morphology is critically important for dental procedures such as root canal treatment and apical surgery. Usage of CBCT enables systemic evaluation of teeth including the number of roots and canals, location of roots, etc. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of multiple canals in mandibular first and second premolars and to evaluate correlations between other anatomical variants using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology: The protocol of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Saveetha Dental Hospital, Chennai, India. Images of mandibular premolars were obtained from patients who had undergone CBCT scanning at the hospital between January 2018 and November 2020.Cross-sectional images in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes were reconstructed using GALILEOS ComfortPLUS ( Sirona 3D)is an advanced CBCT that provides seamless workflow integration. Serial axial, coronal and sagittal-plane CBCT images were closely examined at 1.0-mm intervals from the canal orifice to the apex.

Results: Using SPSS software (ver. 21; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), chi-squared test was performed for analyses of different parameters involved. Various anatomical variants such as distolingual roots of first molars, C shaped canals of second molars are highly correlated with different canal configurations of mandibular premolars.

Conclusion: This retrospective study showed that different configurations of mandibular premolars canals was significantly correlated with the presence of Distolingual root (DLRs) in first molars, and C shaped canals in second molars. Understanding and identifying anatomical variants is important in comprehensive success of endodontic treatment.