C-shaped root canals of mandibular second molars in a Korean population: a CBCT analysis.
- Author:
Hee Sun KIM
1
;
Daun JUNG
;
Ho LEE
;
Yoon Sic HAN
;
Sohee OH
;
Hye Young SIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: C-shaped canal; Mandibular second molar; Korean; CBCT
- MeSH: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Dental Pulp Cavity*; Diagnosis; Female; Humans; Male; Methods; Molar*; Prevalence; Tooth
- From:Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics 2018;43(4):e42-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the C-shaped root canal anatomy of mandibular second molars in a Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 542 teeth were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The canal shapes were classified according to a modified version of Melton's method at the level where the pulp chamber floor became discernible. RESULTS: Of the 542 mandibular second molars, 215 (39.8%) had C-shaped canals, 330 (53%) had 3 canals, 17 (3.3%) had 2 canals, 12 (2.2%) had 4 canals, and 8 (1.7%) had 1 canal. The prevalence of C-shaped canals was 47.8% in females and 28.4% in males. Seventy-seven percent of the C-shaped canals showed a bilateral appearance. The prevalence of C-shaped canals showed no difference according to age or tooth position. Most teeth with a C-shaped canal system presented Melton's type II (45.6%) and type III (32.1%) configurations. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of C-shaped canals in the mandibular second molars of the Korean population studied. CBCT is expected to be useful for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning of mandibular second molars.
