Investigation using cone beam computed tomography analysis, of radicular grooves and canal configurations of mandibular premolars in a Turkish subpopulation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo conduct an in vivo evaluation of prevalence of root canal configurations, lengths of C-shaped canals, prevalence and depths of radicular grooves (RGs), in mandibular first and second premolars in a Turkish subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nCBCT images of 327 first and 264 second\u2009premolars were included. Canal configurations, locations, lengths, and types of C-shaped canals, and RGs were evaluated on CBCT images. Data were statistically analyzed (P\u202f<\u202f0.05).\n\n\nRESULTS\nFirst and second premolars were classified as follows: type I, (83.8%, 97.72%); type V, (12.22%, 0.76%); type III, (3.06%, 0.76%); and other types. RGs were exhibited by 14.68% of first and 2.27% of second premolars (P\u202f<\u202f0.05). Incidence of complex canals (types III, V and other types, 89.8%) in first premolars with RGs was significantly higher versuswithout RGs (P\u202f<\u202f0.05). C-shaped configuration was exhibited by 4.58% of first (80% semilunar-type), and 1.13% of second premolars (P\u202f<\u202f0.05). All first premolars with C-shaped canals showed RGs and complex canals.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nComplex canals and RGs frequently co-exist in mandibular premolars. C-shaped canals are not common in mandibular premolars, and mostly located in middle thirds. Type V is the most prevalent complex canal configuration in first premolars, and frequently associated with a C-shaped semilunar-type anatomy.