the incidence of mandibular first premolar teeth with 2 canals in a group of kerman population (2002-2003)

purpose: the purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of mandibular first premolar teeth with 2 canals in the population of kerman. methods & materials: a total of 280 extracted first premolar teeth were collected from several health service centers within the province of kerman.extracted teeth were stored in 10% formalin containers. each tooth was initially cleaned with water and brush.then the remaining periodontal tissues was removed by ultrasonic scalers. access cavities were made by diamond burs on each tooth and for complete removal of the pulp tissues the teeth were immersed within 2.5-3% naocl for 24 hours. after washing and drying the teeth india ink was injected within the root canal system of the teeth by 27 guage needle. then the specimens were dried and were decalcified within 5-10% nitric acid solution. the specimens were washed and were dehydrated by 70-95 and %100 etanol solution. after clearing the teeth by %5 methyl salicilate solution the number and type of the canals of the teeth were determined and verified. results: from the total of 280 evaluated teeth 14 teeth (%5) had calcified canals and %84.6 of the remaining 266 teeth had one canal and %15.4 of them had 2 canals. conclusion: in our investigation the mandibular first premolar teeth with one apical foramen in apex is approximately 10% more than international findings.j dent sch 2005 23(2): 286