Evaluation of the Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary first and second premolar teeth in patients referring to a private clinic in Yazd by cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Introduction: Successful endodontic treatment depends on a thorough understanding of root canal anatomy and its potential variations. Insufficient knowledge of root canal morphology is considered a frequent contributor to endodontic treatment failure. Root canal configuration may vary among different ethnic groups, suggesting that genetic and ethnic factors can influence canal morphology. Maxillary premolars, in particular, demonstrate considerable anatomical variation in root number and canal configuration. These variations may complicate root canal treatment. Radiographic examination is a useful tool for dental assessment, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed three-dimensional data for evaluating root and canal anatomy. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the root and canal morphology of maxillary first and second premolar teeth in patients referred to a private clinic in Yazd City using CBCT imaging.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 357 CBCT images of maxillary first and second premolars. The data were collected using a predefined checklist, which recorded the number of roots, number of canals, canal morphology, patient sex, type of tooth, and tooth side. The data were entered into SPSS version 16, applying Chi-Square tests and independent t-tests.

Results: For maxillary first premolars, single-rooted teeth accounted for 60.9%, two-rooted teeth for 38.0%, and three-rooted teeth for 1.1%. In maxillary second premolars, 91.9% were single-rooted, whereas 8.1% had two roots. Regarding the number of canals, first premolars showed one canal in 23.4%, two canals in of th 75.5%, and three canals in 1.1% of cases. Among second premolars, one canal was identified in 69.4% and two canals in 30.6%. According to Vertucci’s classification, Type I canal configuration was the most prevalent pattern in both first premolars and second premolars. No statistically significant association was found between sex or tooth side and the number of roots, number of canals, type of tooth, or canal configuration (P > 0.05). Likewise, neither sex nor tooth side demonstrated a significant difference regarding the mean number of canals or roots.  

Conclusion: Vertucci Type I emerged as the most common canal configuration in maxillary premolars within the studied population. Furthermore, neither sex nor tooth side had a significant effect on root or canal counts.