Assessment of root and root canal morphology in maxillary molars with fused roots using Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) in a Sri Lankan population

Introduction

Root fusion is considered to present when there is no evidence of periodontal space or presence of bone between the different roots of the molar at any apical level to the bifurcation area. Fused roots in maxillary molars pose important clinical implications, mainly in the field of endodontics. Based on the wide variations in previous studies done in different populations and the clinical implications, the present study is aimed to assess root and root canal morphology in maxillary first and second molars with fused roots in a Sri Lankan population.

Material and methods

A descriptive study was conducted by evaluating all CBCT scans stored at Division of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental sciences, University of Peradeniya which were taken from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2019. To characterize the type of root fusion of maxillary molars, classification of Zhang et al., in 2014 was used.

Results

Out of one thousand twenty upper first molars (1020), fifty two had fused roots (5.098 %) and out of one thousand ninety-six upper second molars (1096), 473 (43.15 %) had fused roots. The commonest pattern of fusion noted in first molars was type 1 (42.3 %) and in second molars was type 2 (36.9 %).

Conclusion

The root and canal configurations of maxillary first and second molars in this population were consistent with previously reported data. Fused roots may present a complicated root canal system. These data may facilitate successful endodontic treatment. More studies in larger populations would provide more details in our population.