Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Permanent Maxillary Molar Teeth in a Turkish Subpopulation: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study

Abstract

Objective: Maxillary molars may be challenging for root canal treatment due to their complex canal anatomy and additional root canals, especially in the mesiobuccal root. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of root and root canal numbers of maxillary molar in a selected Turkish population. Materials and Methods: A total of 905 first and second maxillary molars were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The number of roots and canals was recorded and the mesiobuccal canal was further evaluated with the Vertucci classification. Results: A total of 394 teeth had a second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal (43.5%). While 90.4% of all maxillary molars had three roots, 44% had four root canals. The most common root canal anatomy of mesiobuccal root canals was Type II (42.6%) followed by Type IV (31.5%) and Type III (22.1%). Conclusions: It is clear that the second mesial root canal in permanent maxillary molars should be carefully searched for the long-term success of root canal treatments. It is seen that CBCT sections will be beneficial in diagnosis and treatment in better understanding the anatomical structure of the teeth and determining possible anatomical deviations.