"Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of C-shape canals and longitudinal grooves of mandibular first and second molar teeth"

Abstract

Abstract:Aim: This study aims to evaluate the anatomical features and prevalence of C-shaped roots and longitudinal grooves in mandibularfirst and second permanent teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and Methods: CBCT records of first and second mandibular teeth from 839 patients who applied to the Department of Oraland Maxillofacial Radiology between 2011 and 2018 were used. The CBCT examination was performed at five different axial levelsand the mandibular molars were classified as types of longitudinal groove and C-shape according to the Fan criteria. Differencesbetween genders, age groups, left and right side and type of tooth were determined.Result: A total of 2903 teeth (1321 first molars and 1582 second molar) from 839 patients were included in the study. C-shapedcanals were found in mandibular first molar teeth with a prevalence of 0.15%, while 4.1% in mandibular second molar teeth. Only twomandibular first molars exhibited C-shaped canal. Female patients had a higher prevalence than males. Longitudinal grooves weremost commonly found lingual surface.Conclusions: The occurence of C-shaped canals in mandibular first and second molars among Turkish population was generallyless than in other populations. CBCT is a valuable tool to evaluate the C-shaped root canal configuration in vivo.