MALAYSIAN DENTAL JOURNAL Mesiobuccal Root Canal Morphology of the Permanent Maxillary First Molar in A Sri Lankan Population

Aim. To determine the root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary first molars in a Sri Lankan population with special emphasis on the presence of a second canal in the mesiobuccal root. Materials and Methods. One hundred and fourteen permanent maxillary first molars were examined. The root numbers of the molars were recorded. Root canal morphology was studied using a clearing technique. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth were based on Vertucci’s classification. The location of the second canal in the mesiobuccal root was determined by recording its position along the imaginary line between the main mesiobuccal and palatal orifices. Result. The commonest canal type in the mesiobuccal root was type IV (42.1%), followed by type II (24.5%) and type I (22.8%). The prevalence of a second canal in the mesiobuccal root was 77.1% and the opening of the second mesiobuccal canal was located in 79% of the cases at the buccal one third of the imaginary line between the main mesiobuccal and palatal orifices. The distobuccal and palatal roots were typically presented with Type I canal configuration. Inter canal communications and lateral canals were more frequently seen in the mesiobuccal root. Conclusion. The root canal morphology of maxillary first molars is variable in different population groups. Root canal morphology of maxillary first molar of Sri Lankans is consistent with that of people of western Eurasia and far different from people of Sub Saharan Africa.