The anatomy of the root canal system of three-rooted maxillary premolars analysed using high-resolution computed tomography.

AIM To analyse the anatomy of the root canal system of maxillary premolars with three distinct roots using high-resolution computed tomography (μCT). METHODOLOGY Ten three-rooted human maxillary premolars were scanned transversally from crown to apex at 42μm intervals using a high-resolution desktop μTC system (Skyscan 1072). The images were processed and analysed for the following features: cross section of the roots and canals in the apical, middle and coronal thirds; location of the apical foramen; distance from the pulp chamber roof to the bifurcation and trifurcation of the canals and anatomic variations of the root canal system. The results were expressed descriptively. RESULTS The cross-sectional shape of canals was heterogeneous along the length of the roots. The location of the apical foramen varied, tending to lie palatally or distally. The buccal pulp horn was larger than the palatal. The mean distance from the most cervical region of the pulp chamber roof to the bifurcation and trifurcation of the canals was 3.13 and 5.08mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Features of the internal anatomy of the pulp cavity of three-rooted maxillary premolars were identified with the use of μCT. The results revealed the heterogeneity of three-rooted maxillary premolars.