An in vivo Study of Variations in the Canal Anatomy of Maxillary and Mandibular First Molar using Surgical Operating Microscope

Introduction: The success of endodontic therapy depends upon the ability of the clinician to locate, clean, shape and completely obturate all the root canal systems present in a tooth. In the recent times number of additional canals vs traditional canals has been very striking and pointing toward a greater degree of variation in the root canal morphology which needs to studied, understood and born in mind during practice so as to enhance the success. Introduction of surgical operating microscope is a major breakthrough in enhancement of vision in endodontics which not only gives required magnification but also coaxial illumination and video output. These facilities should be of a great help in location of small otherwise difficult to locate accessory canals. Materials and methods: This in vivo study was planned to study variations in the canal anatomy of maxillary and mandibular first molar using surgical operating microscope using 200 first molar teeth, 100 maxillary and 100 mandibular groups, each group to be divided into 50 males and 50 female subgroups. After access opening chambers were cleaned, dried and observed and imaged under the microscope. Results: The observations were recorded and incidences of variations in anatomy were analyzed subjecting the same to SPSS version 16.0. Conclusion: It was observed that surgical operating microscope enhances clinician’s ability to locate additional canals in the teeth.