Comprehensive evaluation of root and root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in a Saudi subpopulation evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography

Endodontic Treatment of a Mandibular Second Molar Featuring Vertucci Type V Configuration in the Distal Root: A Case Report

Successful root canal treatment relies primarily on thorough shaping, cleaning, and filling of the entire root canal system. Neglecting even a single canal can significantly raise the risk of post-treatment apical periodontitis. While the distal root of mandibular second molars typically has one canal, they can also present with anatomical variations, including the presence of a Vertucci Type V configuration. This article discusses a case in which a Vertucci Type V configuration in a mandibular second molar was effectively identified and treated.

Analysis of mandibular molar anatomy in Taiwanese individuals using cone beam computed tomography

Background/purpose

Before periapical surgery in the mandibular posterior teeth is performed, the thicknesses of the buccal alveolar bone wall and buccolingual root might be a critical issue. This study aimed to assess the anatomical structure of the posterior region of the mandible in Taiwanese individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

The CBCT images of 96 Taiwanese individuals (51 male and 45 female), which included 192 mandibular first molars and 192 mandibular second molars, were imported into medical imaging software to measure the buccal alveolar bone thickness and buccolingual root thickness at 3 mm above the root apex. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the impact of tooth position, gender, and age on the anatomical position of mandibular molars.

Results

The buccal alveolar bone thickness at 3 mm above the root apex of the mandibular second molar demonstrates a significantly higher value when compared to that of the first molar. Nonetheless, concerning the buccolingual root thickness, no significant differences were observed between these two teeth. In addition, the buccal alveolar bone thickness and buccolingual root thickness at 3 mm above the root apex may not be influenced by gender and age.

Conclusion

The anatomical structures of the posterior region of the mandible in Taiwanese individuals exhibited variations between the mandibular first and second molars. However, these differences were not influenced by gender or age.

The global prevalence of middle mesial canal in mandibular first and second molars assessed by cone beam computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis sought to identify the in vivo prevalence and influencing factors of middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular first and second molars based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Google Scholar databases/search engines were searched in period between 15^th and 21^st November 2022, to retrieve the in vivo CBCT-based studies that assessed the prevalence of MMC in mandibular first and/or second molars. The studies were strictly assessed using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for relevancy and eligibility through screening the title and abstract, and then assessed through reading the full texts using the same criteria. Subsequently, the fulfilled studies were assessed qualitatively using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and quantitatively using meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence rates of MMC. The publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger's test.

RESULTS

Out of 1,122 studies, 33 studies comprised 13,349 and 7,624 mandibular first and second molars, respectively, were eligible for inclusion. Twenty studies scored high quality, while thirteen scored moderate quality. The global prevalence of MMC in the first molar was 4.4% (95% CI = 0.035-0.053, P<0.001), significantly higher than that of the second molar which was 1.3% (95%, CI = 0.008-0.018, P<0.001). Gender, molar side, and age were not influencing factors of MMC prevalence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of MMC is not uncommon, being higher in the mandibular first molar compared to the mandibular second molar. The prevalence of MMC is not influenced by age, molar's side, and gender.