Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular second Premolars in North Indian SubPopulation

Introduction: The main goal of root canal treatment is to prevent or heal formation of apical periodontitis. Complexity of root canal anatomy presents clinical challenges related to treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of the root canal system of mandibular 2 nd premolar in north Indian subpopulation using periapical radiographs and CT Dentascan. No such study on Indian subpopulation is present till date. Methods: A total of 310 mandibular second premolar teeth were examined with the help of periapical radiographs and CT Dentascan in 158 patients, aged between 15 to 60. Number of roots and root canals were evaluated. Results: Among the teeth examined 6.4% (n=20) had more than one root. Regarding canal morphology, 3.8% (n=12) of the teeth had two canals, whereas 1.9 % (n= 6) had three canals and 1% had more than 3 canals. Conclusion: Most of the mandibular 2 nd premolar had 1 root and 1 root canal. Less than 1 of 10 mandibular 2 nd premolar had complex root canal system(2 or more canals).This study provides supplemental information about root canals of mandibular 2 nd premolar in north Indian subpopulation.