Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Premolars in a Namibian Population: A Retrospective Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

Abstract

This study examined population-specific morphological variations in human premolar roots and canals and their clinical implications. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used with the Ahmed classification system. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study analysed 388 maxillary premolars from CBCT scans of 97 participants obtained from participating private dental practices in Swakopmund and Windhoek and from the University of Namibia dental clinic. The root number and canal configuration were classified by the Ahmed system. Associations were assessed by comparing identical tooth types in the right and left maxilla. First premolars were mostly two-rooted (56.2%), and second premolars were mostly single-rooted (88.1%), with key configurations of ¹MP¹, ¹MP^1-2 and ²MP B¹P¹. Age-related changes showed increased ²MP B¹P¹ in first premolars and ¹MP^1-2-1 in second premolars. The dominant configurations in this Namibian sample align with other populations, emphasising the importance of population-specific data for endodontic treatment and supporting the relevance of the Ahmed classification.