Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the mesial root of mandibular first molars with bifid apex

• Published in: Archives of oral biology 2020-09, Vol.117, p.104792-104792, Article 104792
• Main Authors: Keleş, Ali, Keskin, Cangül, Alqawasmi, Rawan, Versiani, Marco Aurelio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accessory canals; Anatomy; Bifid apex; Dentistry; Mandibular molar; Mesial root; Middle mesial canal
• ISSN: 0003-9969; 1879-1506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104792

•The mesial root of mandibular molars may present bifid or non-bifid configuration.•Frequency of accessory canals were significantly higher in bifid mesial roots.•The apical shape of the mesial root influenced the complexity of the root canal.•Bifid apex may act as a predictive factor for a complex root canal anatomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of bifid and non-bifid configurations of the mesial root of mandibular first molars in the canal anatomy using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Thirty mesial roots with bifid apex were pair-matched with 30 non-bifid roots by means of micro-CT. Bifid and non-bifid mesial roots were compared regarding morphological aspects at the apical third, dentin thickness, and the presence of isthmus and middle mesial canal (MMC). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test with a significant level of 5 %. Main foramen of mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals were positioned within 2.5 mm from the anatomic apex, and origin and exit of accessory canals were observed mostly between 1.0 and 2.0 mm from the apex in the groups. Despite no statistical difference was observed between bifid and non-bifid roots regarding the number of canal orifices (p > 0.05), the frequency of accessory canals was significantly higher in bifid roots (p