Assessment of the number of root canals in the maxillary and mandibular molars: A radiographic study using cone beam computed tomography

Context The identification of root canals plays an important role in successful endodontic diagnosis and treatment. An inappropriate identification of canal resulting in incomplete removal of pulp tissue from the root canals is the main reason for the failure of endodontic treatment in molars. Radiographic imaging is an essential investigative tool in successful endodontics. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) the imaging is relatively a new method to visualize the roots in all the three planes. Aims This is a study to assess number of root canals in maxillary and mandibular first and second molars on both the right and left sides using CBCT imaging. Settings and Design A total of 100 CBCT images, which were available as soft copies on the hard drive of the computer in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were considered for the study. Subjects and Methods The axial view sections of the maxillary and mandibular arch of 1 mm thickness were examined with a magnification of 250%. The Images were scrolled down from the cementoenamel junction till the apical foramen and the maximum number of canals in each root were recorded. Statistical Analysis Used The collected data were tabulated (Microsoft Excel 2013) and analyzed by independent t-test using statistical analysis software SPSS. Results Among the maxillary first molars, 72.5% had 4 canals with 76.5% of mesiobuccal root having 2 canals. 49% of maxillary second molar had 3 canals with 53.5% of mesiobuccal root having 1 canal. 67.5% of mandibular first molar had 3 canals with 96.5% of mesial root having 2 canals. Conclusions According to this study, the variations in the number of canals were more with respect to maxillary first molars when compared to the other molars. CBCT can provide the clinician with supplemental information about the different root canal configurations for successful root canal treatment.