Internal Root Morphology in Maxillary First Permanent Molars in a Kenyan Population

Objective: To determine the internal root morphology and gender variations in maxillary first permanent molars in a Kenyan population. Design: In vitro descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi. Subject: One hundred and eighty seven maxillary first permanent molars were collected from Kenyans of African descent aged between 10 and 40 years attending dental clinics within Nairobi. Results: Majority of palatal (98.9%), mesiobuccal (70.6%) and all distobuccal roots (100%) had one canal. Two canals were observed in 29.4% of the mesiobuccal roots. The number of canals and canal configurations in the maxillary roots were similar in both genders. The Vertucci type I canal configuration was the most predominant in all roots. The mesiobuccal root presented the most varied canal configurations. Conclusion: A significant proportion of maxillary first molars have four canals and the type I canal configuration is the most prevalent. More attention should be directed towards locating a second canal in the mesiobuccal root.