An evaluation of mandibular molars root canal morphology using cone-beam computed tomography in an Egyptian subpopulation

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the root canal (RC) anatomy of mandibular permanent molars using cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Egyptian Ismailia population. Materials and methods Four hundred and thirty‑six mandibular molars were included in this study. CBCT scans were evaluated by an oral radiologist and an endodontist. Root morphology and number as well as RC number were evaluated. RC configurations were classified according to Vertucci’s method. Sex and bilateral symmetry were recorded. For RC configurations, sex and bilateral sides, Pearson’s χ2‑test was used (P ≤ 0.05). Results Two hundred and seventeen mandibular first molars demonstrated two roots configuration. Only one case had an extradistolingual root with type I RC. For the mandibular second molars, majority of the 218 were two roots configuration. Only four cases showed single root configuration. Regarding mandibular first molars, the frequency of Vertucci’s classification for the mesial root were type IV (83.94%), type II (11.93%), type III (3.21%) and type VII (0.92%). For the distal root, were type I (62.84%), type II (19.72%), type III (10.55%), type IV (2.75%), type V (3.67%) and type VII (0.46%). Regarding mandibular second molars, the highest frequency of Vertucci’s classification for the mesial root were type II (57.71%) then type IV (28.86%), type III (7.46%), type I (5.47%) and type V (0.5%). For the distal root, the most common of Vertucci’s classification were type I (95.02%) followed by type II (3.48%), type III (0.99%) and type IV (0.5%). C‑shaped canals were noticed in mandibular second molars only. Bilateral symmetry was displayed significantly regarding extra canal. There was significant difference between females and males ( 0.05). Conclusion Preassessment of the mandibular molars using CBCT imaging provides clear data for the RC morphology that might increase the prognosis of the RC treatment.