Prevalence of radix entomolaris in mandibular permanent first molars: a study in a South Indian population

Objective Anatomical racial variations are an acknowledged characteristic in permanent molars. Generally, mandibular first molars have 2 roots; however, the presence of a third root, radix entomolaris (RE), is a major anatomic variant among many population groups. This study evaluated the prevalence...

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Published in:Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology and endodontics oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology and endodontics, 2011-09, Vol.112 (3), p.e77-e82
Main Authors: Chandra, Saurabh S., BDS, MDS, Chandra, Supriya, BDS, MDS, Shankar, Padmanabhan, MDS, Indira, Rajamani, MDS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Dental Pulp Cavity - anatomy & histology
Dentistry
Dentition, Permanent
European Continental Ancestry Group
Female
Humans
India - epidemiology
Male
Mandible
Middle Aged
Molar - anatomy & histology
Prevalence
Surgery
Tooth Abnormalities - epidemiology
Tooth Root - anatomy & histology
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective Anatomical racial variations are an acknowledged characteristic in permanent molars. Generally, mandibular first molars have 2 roots; however, the presence of a third root, radix entomolaris (RE), is a major anatomic variant among many population groups. This study evaluated the prevalence of permanent mandibular first molars featuring a distolingual root in a South Indian population. Study design Five hundred patients of South Indian origin possessing bilateral mandibular first molars were selected. The radiographs of these patients were evaluated under optimal conditions. A total of 1000 mandibular first molars were screened and the incidence of 3-rooted mandibular first molars and the correlation between left and right side occurrence and between either gender was recorded. Results The prevalence of 3-rooted mandibular first molars was 18.6% of the patients examined and 13.3% of the teeth examined. There was no statistically significant difference between genders or side of occurrence ( P > .05). The bilateral incidence of a symmetric distribution was 43.01%. Conclusions RE is considered an Asiatic trait. The occurrence of this macrostructure in the South Indian population was 13.3%, which was lower than that of other patients of Mongoloid origin. The clinician must thoroughly examine the radiograph before initiation of endodontic therapy.
ISSN:1079-2104
1528-395X
DOI:10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.02.016