A Micro-Computed Tomography Study of the Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Premolars in an Emirati Population

• Published in: Medical principles and practice 2017-03, Vol.26 (2), p.118-124
• Main Authors: Alkaabi, Wafa, AlShwaimi, Emad, Farooq, Imran, Goodis, Harold E., Chogle, Sami M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bicuspid - anatomy & histology; Bicuspid - diagnostic imaging; Dental Pulp Cavity - anatomy & histology; Dental Pulp Cavity - diagnostic imaging; Endodontics; Humans; Mandible - anatomy & histology; Mandible - diagnostic imaging; Morphology; Original Paper; Population; Teeth; Tooth Root - anatomy & histology; Tooth Root - diagnostic imaging; United Arab Emirates; Visualization; X-Ray Microtomography; X-rays
• ISSN: 1011-7571; 1423-0151
• DOI: 10.1159/000453039

Objective: To investigate variations in the root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in a population from the United Arab Emirates using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and conventional radiography. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional images of 50 extracted human mandibular first premolars were produced using a micro-CT scanner, and conventional radiography was also used to record the number of roots, the root canal system configuration, the presence of a C-shaped canal system and lateral canals, intercanal communications, and the number and location of apical foramina. The interpretations of micro-CT and conventional radiography were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Results: Variable root canal configurations based on Vertucci's classification were observed in the teeth (i.e., types I, III, IV, V, and VII). The examined teeth exhibited the following 2 additional root canal configurations, which did not fit Vertucci's classification: type 1-2-3 and type 1-3. A C-shaped canal configuration was present in 14 (28%) cases, and lateral canals were present in 22 (44%) cases. Apical deltas were found in 25 (50%) cases, intercanal communications were seen in 6 (12%) cases, and apical loops were seen in 2 (4%) of the samples. Micro-CT and X-ray imaging identified 39 (78%) and 34 (68%) apical foramina, respectively. A single apical foramen was detected in 33 (66%) samples, and 2 or 3 apical foramina were detected in 14 (28 %) and 3 (6%) samples, respectively. In 18.5 (37%) samples the apical foramina were located centrally, and in 31 (62%) they were located laterally. Conclusion: A complex morphology of the mandibular first premolars was observed with a high prevalence of multiple root canal systems.