Root and canal configurations of maxillary premolars in a South African subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography and two classification systems

A micro-computed tomographic evaluation of maxillary first molar accessory root canal morphology in a Black South African subpopulation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the accessory root canal morphology of maxillary first molars in a Black South African subpopulation.

METHODS

Micro-computed tomography was used to investigate 101 maxillary first molars (from 50 male and 51 female teeth, right 53 teeth, left 48 teeth). The prevalence of chamber canals, and the number, type and location (root third) of accessory canals were recorded. The relationships between arch side, sex and age were examined using chi-squared tests of association. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were assessed using Cohen's kappa test.

RESULTS

Intra- and inter-rater agreement was 96.9% and 98.1%, respectively. Variations in accessory root canal anatomy according to side, sex and age were evident. Chamber canals were identified in 10.9% of teeth. Accessory canals were found mainly in the apical third of most teeth in the sample, and distributed predominantly in the mesio-buccal root. Apical deltas were most prevalent in the mesio-buccal root, and their frequency decreased in the palatal and then finally the disto-buccal root.

CONCLUSION

Accessory root canals were common in this population, and showed a diverse range of anatomy. The present findings will be of assistance to clinicians during endodontic treatment and will also be valuable for educational purposes.

Morphology of Roots and Canals of Maxillary First Premolars: A CBCT Study in a Peruvian Sample

Introduction: It is important to take into account variations in structures related to dental pulp for planning the most adequate endodontic treatment management. The objective of this study was to determine the morphology of roots and canals of maxillary first premolars (MFPs) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included a sample of 392 CBCTs of Peruvian adults proportionally selected by sex, age, and quadrant. One MFP per individual was selected for evaluation by a calibrated evaluator based on the number of roots and canal configuration according to the Vertucci classification (VC; Cohen's κ ≥ 0.834). Pearson's χ 2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Most MFP presented double roots (59.9%) and were VC type IV (52%). Morphology showed a nonsignificant difference by quadrants (P=0.994). A significant positive association was found between the presence of double roots and type IV in men and with older age, while single roots and type I and II were associated with women and younger age (P < 0.05). Double roots were associated with VC type IV (86%) and single roots with types III (34%), II (32%), and I (26%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: MFPs in a Peruvian sample presented a higher frequency of double roots with two separate canals. The morphology of root and canals was associated with age and sex.

A micro-computed tomographic evaluation of maxillary first molar root canal morphology in Black South Africans

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to investigate the root canal anatomy of maxillary first molars in Black South Africans.

METHODS

Micro-computed tomography was used to investigate 101 maxillary first molars (53 teeth from the right, 48 from the left; 50 male and 51 female teeth). The number of root canals in each tooth was determined, and the relationship between side, sex and age was analyzed using chi-squared test. To determine intra- and inter-observer reliability, Cohen's kappa coefficients were calculated.

RESULTS

Intra- and inter-rater agreements of 96.92% and 98.08% were achieved, respectively. Most teeth contained either three or four canals, but a second, third and fourth mesio-buccal canal was found in 60.39%, 5.94% and 0.99% of teeth, respectively. The disto-buccal and palatal roots contained predominantly single canals, but additional canals were noted in 2.97% and 1.98% of teeth. Four canals were common in females and teeth on the right side often contained a second mesio-buccal canal. However, the prevalence of a third mesio-buccal canal was higher in males than in females.

CONCLUSION

The teeth studied showed diversity and variations between sexes and arch sides. These findings will aid clinicians in endodontic treatment and will be applicable for educational purposes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of root morphology and canal configuration of permanent premolars using cone-beam computed tomography

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of root canal treatment is greatly impacted by a thorough understanding of root canal anatomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to thoroughly investigate the root morphology and canal configuration (RMCC) of permanent premolars (PMs).

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Literature exploration was carried out across four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science). The risk of bias assessment was conducted for the included studies utilizing the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS and RevMAN5.3.3. The meta-analysis was applied with a 95% confidence interval to calculate odds ratios (OR).

RESULTS

Among the 82 selected studies, 59 studies exhibited potential bias in domain one (objective(s) and subject characteristics), followed by domain three (methodology characterization). The majority of maxillary PM1s had either single root (46.7%) or double roots (51.9%), while three-rooted variants were uncommon (1.4%). Conversely, most other PMs exhibited a single root. In terms of canal configuration, maxillary PM1s predominantly featured double distinct canals (87.2%), with the majority of maxillary PM2s displaying either a single canal (51.4%) or double canals (48.3%). Mandibular PMs were primarily characterized by single canals, accounting for 78.3% of mandibular PM1s and 90.3% of mandibular PM2s. Subgroup analyses revealed higher incidences of single-rooted and single-canalled PMs among Asians compared to Caucasians. Additionally, women exhibited a higher incidence of single-rooted PMs, while men showed a greater frequency of double-rooted PMs.

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive analysis indicated that maxillary PM1s predominantly possess double roots and double canals, whereas maxillary PM2s and mandibular PMs were primarily characterized by single-rooted with a single canal. Notably, single root and single canal were more prevalent among women and Asian samples.

Characterization of the root and canal anatomy of maxillary premolar teeth in an Iraqi subpopulation: a cone beam computed tomography study

This study aims to evaluate the number of roots and root canal morphology types of maxillary premolars in relation to a patient's gender and age in an Iraqi population using two classification systems. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 1116 maxillary premolars from 385 patients were evaluated for the number of roots and root canal morphology types according to Vertucci's classification and Ahmed et al. classification systems. Differences in the number of roots and root canal morphology types with regard to tooth type, patients' gender and age groups were evaluated and the degree of bilateral symmetry was determined. Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. About 51.1% of the 1st premolars were double rooted. The majority (87.9%) of the 2nd premolars were single rooted. The three-rooted form presented in only 1.2% and 0.7% of the 1st and 2nd premolars, respectively. Vertucci Type IV (Ahmed et al. code 2MaxP B1P1) and Vertucci Type I (Ahmed et al. code 1MaxP1) were the most common canal morphology types in the 1st and 2nd premolars, respectively. Females showed a lower number of roots and a higher prevalence of Vertucci Type I configuration (P < 0.05). Younger age groups showed a higher prevalence of Vertucci Type I configuration (P < 0.05). Bilateral symmetry was seen in more than half of the maxillary premolars. There is a considerable variation in the number of roots and root canal configurations of maxillary premolars in the studied Iraqi population, with a significant difference by gender and age groups. Ahmed et al. classification provided more accurate presentation of the root and canal anatomy in maxillary premolars compared to Vertucci's classification.

Root canal morphology of anterior permanent teeth in Jordanian population using two classification systems: a cone-beam computed tomography study

BACKGROUND

Adequate knowledge of root canal morphology and its variation is essential for success of root canal treatment and to overcome treatemnt failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular anterior teeth using 2 classification systems.

METHODS

3342 lower anteriors were evaluated from 557 CBCT scans. The images were examined in sagittal, axial and coronal views using a CS 3D imaging software (V3.10.4, Carestream Dental). Demographic data recorded, the number of roots and canal's morphology were described according to Vertucci and Ahmed classifications.

RESULTS

Frequency of Type I configuration was significantly the highest in incisors and canines (76%, N = 2539), followed by Type III (20.6%, N = 687). Type II (1.1%, N = 37), IV (1.1%, N = 37), and V (0.3%, N = 11) were rarely encountered. 0.9% (N = 31) of the teeth could not be classified with the Vertucci System. The frequency of 2 roots (2MA in Ahmed classification) which has no correspondence in the Vertucci classification, was 1.1% (N = 38), it was significantly higher in canines and in females (35 canines and 3 laterals). A moderate correlation in root canal morpology was found between the left and right sides (V > 0.30). 80% (N = 2538) of the teeth did not exhibit any divergence/merging. The bifurcation level occurred mostly in the middle third of the root.

CONCLUSIONS

One fourth of anterior teeth had variation from the simple type I canal configuration and therefore requires attention during treatment. The new classification system offers a more accurate and simplified presentation of canal morphology.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence and mid root bifurcation of second canal in lower anteriors requires attention to ensure adequate quality root canal treatment without compromising the integrity of teeth.

Critical analysis of a new system to classify root and canal morphology - A systematic review

A novel system to classify root and canal morphology was recently introduced (Ahmed et al. 2017). This systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: Does the Ahmed et al. system provide a more accurate and practical classification of root and canal anatomy compared to other classifications? A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus and Wiley Online Library to identify the citation counts for the article entitled 'A new system for classifying root and root canal morphology; doi.org/10.1111/iej.12685'. After removal of duplicates and unrelated articles, 15 studies were included and analysed. All studies compared the Ahmed et al. system with the Vertucci classification. Results revealed that both systems were able to classify simple canal configurations in single-rooted anterior and premolar teeth, disto-buccal and palatal roots of maxillary molars. However, the Ahmed et al. system provided more accurate and comprehensive categorisations of single-rooted teeth with complex canal anatomy, multi-rooted maxillary and mandibular premolars and the mesio-buccal root of maxillary molars. Further evidence on the utility of the Ahmed et al. system is required using other diagnostic devices especially in molars.

Investigation of mandibular second molar root and canal morphology in a Black South African population using cone-beam computed tomography and two classification systems

PURPOSE

To investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular second molars, including anatomical variations, in a Black South African population using two classification systems.

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 386 teeth were evaluated. The number of roots and canal configurations were categorized using the classifications of Vertucci (with modifications by Sert and Bayirli) and Ahmed et al. (including the modified Melton classification). Relationships between variables were assessed using Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Mandibular second molars were predominantly two-rooted (91.7%). The majority of teeth had three canals including Type IV mesial (41.2%) and Type I (75.1%) distal (Ahmed et al. configuration: 2MDM M2 D1). Three or more canals were present in almost one-fifth of mesial (n = 72/386, 18.6%) and a small number of distal (n = 21/386, 5.4%) roots. Males displayed additional canals more frequently in the distal root (P = 0.02). C-shaped anatomy was found in 5.7%. Among the C-shapes, the most common was Melton's Type III in the coronal (50%), middle (81%) and apical (72%) thirds.

CONCLUSION

In this population, mandibular second molar teeth exhibited diverse morphology, which would have clinical significance for endodontic practitioners. The Ahmed et al. classification provided a better description than the Vertucci classification.

Root and canal morphology of maxillary second molars in a Black South African subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography and two classifications

This study investigated the root and canal morphology of maxillary second molars in a Black South African population using high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography. In total, 386 maxillary second molar teeth were evaluated and described according to the classifications of Vertucci (with the additions of Sert and Bayirli), as well as Ahmed et al. Root number, fusions and canal morphology were recorded. Relationships between morphology, sex and age were assessed using Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). Maxillary second molars were predominantly three-rooted (96.1%), with root fusion observed in 14%. No relationships between sex, age and canal morphology were found. Additional canals were observed in 67.4% of mesiobuccal roots. The Ahmed et al. classification provided a better overall description of the morphology. In this population, maxillary second molar teeth exhibited a diversity of root and canal morphology. Complex variations may render endodontic management more difficult and increase the possibility of missed anatomy.

A microcomputed tomographic analysis of the morphological variabilities and incidence of extra canals in mandibular first molar teeth in an Egyptian subpopulation

A well-protected microbial habitat may be present in the root and canal morphology, which is varied and complicated. Before initiating effective root canal treatment, a detailed knowledge of the root and canal anatomical variances in each tooth is a must. This study aimed to investigate the root canal configuration, apical constriction anatomy, location of the apical foramen, dentine thickness, and prevalence of accessory canals in mandibular molar teeth in an Egyptian subpopulation using micro-computed tomography (microCT). A total of 96 mandibular first molars were scanned using microCT, and 3D reconstruction was performed using Mimics software. The root canal configurations of each of the mesial and distal root were classified with two different classification systems. The prevalence and dentin thickness around middle mesial and middle distal canals were investigated. The number, location and anatomy of major apical foramina and the apical constriction anatomy analysed. The number and location of accessory canals were identified. Our findings showed that two separate canals (15%) and one single canal (65%) were the most common configuration in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. More than half of the mesial roots had complex canal configurations and 51% had middle mesial canals. The single apical constriction anatomy was the most common for both canals followed by the parallel anatomy. Disto-lingual and distal locations of the apical foramen are the most common location for both roots. Mandibular molars in Egyptians show a wide range of variations in root canal anatomy with high prevalence of middle mesial canals. Clinicians should be aware of such anatomical variations for successful root canal treatment procedures. A specific access refinement protocol and appropriate shaping parameters should be designated for each case to fulfil the mechanical and biological objectives of root canal treatment without compromising the longevity of treated teeth.

Prevalence of Second Root and Root Canal in Mandibular and Maxillary Premolars Based on Two Classification Systems in Sub-Population of Northern Region (Saudi Arabia) Assessed Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Study

The objective of this paper is to assess the prevalence of a second canal in maxillary and mandibular premolars based on two classification systems of root canal morphology using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 286 CBCT scans from the archive of the Radiology department of a hospital were assessed for the presence of a second canal in maxillary and mandibular premolars. The canal configuration and its assessment was undertaken using Vertucci and Ahmed's classification. A Chi-square test was used to test the significance of the difference between gender and age. A total of 286 premolars were examined (217 mandibular premolars and 69 maxillary premolars); of these, 173 teeth (60.5%) were from males and 113 were from females (39.5%). Some 62% of maxillary left first premolars had two roots, followed by maxillary right first premolars (47%), and then maxillary left second premolars (30%) and maxillary right ones (27%), respectively. Type IV Vertucci were seen in maxillary premolars, while type I were ordinarily seen in the included mandibular premolars. Surprisingly, Vertucci type III was only found in mandibular left first premolars at a frequency of 2%. One orifice with two separate canals and two orifices of two distinct canals with two portals of exit were predominantly noticed with maxillary first premolars (² FP B¹ P¹) in 73% and 81%, respectively, followed by (¹ FP ²) 19%. The prevalence of a second canal in maxillary and mandibular premolars was low in the investigated premolars in comparison to the premolars that had just one root and canal, as assessed based on Vertucci and Ahmed's root canal system classification.

Taurodontism in simultaneous existence with multiple supernumerary teeth: A case report

Supernumerary teeth and taurodontism are both common dental anomalies when found as isolated entities. However, simultaneous presence in the same individual without a syndrome is rarely reported in the literature. This case report describes a 20-year-old non-syndromic male with multiple supernumerary teeth in association with multiple molar and premolar taurodonts and no family history of genetic predisposing factors. Taurodontism was measured and confirmed through cone-beam computed tomography for accuracy of the classification. Early diagnosis with the aid of radiographic imaging and persistent follow-up are crucial to treatment.

A study of mandibular premolar root and canal morphology in a Black South African population using cone-beam computed tomography and two classification systems

PURPOSE

An investigation of the configurations of mandibular premolar roots and canals in a population of Black South Africans.

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of 772 mandibular premolars was performed, and the premolars were classified according to the systems proposed by Vertucci and Ahmed et al. Root number, canal morphology, age, and sex were recorded. Fisher's exact test was used to determine relationships based on age and sex (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Single roots were seen in the majority of mandibular premolars (97.1%). Single canal configurations (i.e., Vertucci Type 1/Ahmed et al. ¹MP¹) were observed in 48.5% of first and 81.3% of second mandibular premolars. Mandibular first premolars demonstrated multiple canals in more than half of the sample (51.5%), and C-shaped morphology in more than one-tenth (11.1%). A relationship between sex and the presence of radicular grooves was demonstrated (P = 0.049), males being more likely to demonstrate this feature (P = 0.051). Multiple canals in mandibular first premolars also showed a relationship with sex (P = 0.005), a male predilection being evident (P = 0.007). The Ahmed et al. system proved superior to the Vertucci classification for reporting complex configurations and anatomical variations, although a greater number of unique categories were created.

CONCLUSION

Diverse mandibular premolar root and canal morphology was observed in the studied population. Clinicians must be aware of common morphological features as well as possible anatomical variations in mandibular premolars, as failure to treat complete root canal systems may negatively impact endodontic treatment outcomes.

Evaluation of root and canal morphologies of permanent canines in a Saudi Arabian sub population using cone-beam computed tomography

Background/purpose

Failure to identify and treat the root canal system in its entirety has been known to be one of the leading causes of unsuccessful root canal treatment (RCT). This study aims to retrospectively assess the permanent canines in a Saudi Arabian sub population for the number of roots, root canal morphologies and the presence of symmetry among them using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

CBCT scans belonging to 945 patients were screened. A total of 1880 permanent canines, 928 pertaining to maxilla and 952 pertaining to mandible were analyzed for the number of roots, root canal morphologies and the presence of symmetry among them. Comparative evaluation between genders was done using Fisher's exact test, since majority of the groups had expected count of less than 5. A calculated P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis of the data. Intra operator variability was observed using Cohen's Kappa test.

Results

Single root was observed in 100% and 98.7% of the maxillary and mandibular canines respectively. Two roots were identified in 1.3% of the MnC's. Type I (97.48%), Type II (0.21%), Type III (1.05%) and Type V (1.26%) Vertucci canal configurations (VC) were observed in MnC's. Statistical significant difference was observed concerning the number of roots and canal morphology according to Vertucci in the mandibular canines. No difference was observed according to Ahmed et al. classification system. Moreover, there was no gender based difference seen among them.

Conclusion

More variable root and canal morphologies are observed in MnC's, although single root with Type I VC is the most common.

Evaluation of root canal morphology in permanent maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in Saudi subpopulation using two classification systems: a CBCT study

BACKGROUND

Adequate knowledge of root canal morphology and possible variations is essential to achieve perfect root canal treatment and overcome treatment failure. Appropriate knowledge on root and canal morphology, communication, and documentation amongst dentists will be challenging from a diagnostic and successful treatment point of view.

METHODS

A total of 3420 samples were included in this study from 285 cone-beam computed tomography images of the Saudi residents, including 171 males and 114 females aged 15 to 68 years from retrospective data dated from January 2018 to April 2021. The images were examined in sagittal, axial and coronal views using a 3D version software 1.0.10.6388. The number of canal and canal morphology was recorded using Vertucci and the new classification system. The SPSS 26 was used to conduct the statistical analysis as descriptive statistics such as mean; standard deviation and frequency were calculated. The Chi-square test analysed the data with the significance level set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 285 subjects participated in the study. Majority of the participants were Saudi nationals (80.7%), followed by Indian (7.4%), Pakistani (4.2%) and other nationalities. According to Vertucci and the new classification system, Type I and ¹TN¹ were the most common types, followed by Type III and Type IV, and then ¹TN^1-2-1 and ¹TN^1-2 in mandibular anteriors. The prevalence of canal variations in mandibular canine was higher in females than in males (P = 0.002). Maxillary laterals and mandibular anteriors showed the significant difference in the prevalence of root canal variation in relation to the ethnicity (P = 0.001) and age of the patients. Younger patients showed more variations than the older patients (P = 0.012, P = 0.023, P = 0.001, P = 0.001) in terms of maxillary laterals, mandibular central, laterals and canines, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Mandibular permanent anteriors showed a wide range of canal variations and canal complexity. Males and females did not demonstrate a wide range of variation in the root canal morphology except for the canines in relation to the gender of the patients.

Root and Root Canal Configuration Characterization Using Microcomputed Tomography: A Systematic Review

This systematic review’s objective was to conduct a complete analysis of the literature on the root canal morphology using advanced micro-computed tomography. The electronic web databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were examined for research papers concerning the chosen keywords, evaluating the root canal morphology using Micro-CT, published up to 2021. The articles were searched using MeSH keywords and searched digitally on four specialty journal websites. DARE2 extended (Database of Attributes of Reviews of Effects) was used to assess bias risk. The information was gathered from 18 published studies that strictly met the criteria for inclusion. In the included studies, a total of 6696 samples were studied. The studies were conducted on either maxillary (n-2222) or mandibular teeth (n-3760), permanent anteriors (n-625), and Third molars (n-89). To scan samples, a Scanco Medical machine in was used in 10 studies, Bruker Micro-CT in 34, and seven other machines were utilized in the rest. Bruker Micro-CT software from Kontich, Belgium, VG-Studio Max 2.2 software from Volume Graphics, Heidelberg, Germany, was the most commonly used software. The minimum Voxel size (resolution) adopted in the included studies was 11.6 µm. However, 60 µm was the maximum. Most studies classified the root canal morphology using Vertucci’s classification system (n-16) and the four-digit system (n-6).

Canal Configuration of Maxillary Premolars in Cukurova Population: A CBCT Analysis

Background/Aim: Aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of root-canal systems and numbers of permanent maxillary premolars’ roots and canals, using cone beam computed tomography scans.

Material and Methods: In this retrospective and observational study, maxillary right/left and first/second premolars of patients who were screened with cone beam computed tomography for various reasons in a Turkish dental school, were examined. Evaluated parameters were age, gender, canal configuration (Vertucci classification) and numbers of roots and canals. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: A total of 1086 maxillary premolars including 555 first premolars and 531 second premolars were examined in 331 patients (186 female, 145 male). Presence of two roots was shown in 75% of first premolars. 76.3% of second premolars were found to have a single root. Most common canal configuration was type IV (73.2%) for first premolars and type II (32.4%) for second premolars. There was a significant relationship between gender and numbers of first and second premolars’ roots and canals.

Conclusions: High heterogeneity of maxillary premolar root-canal system anatomy should be considered during endodontic treatment.

CBCT evaluation of root canal morphology and anatomical relationship of root of maxillary second premolar to maxillary sinus in a western Chinese population

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the root anatomy, root canal morphology and the anatomical relationship between the roots and maxillary sinus of maxillary second premolars by CBCT in a western Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 1118 CBCT scans of the maxillary second premolars were collected from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. Information below were measured on axial, coronal and sagittal sections, recorded and evaluated properly: the number of roots and canals, the morphology of canal system classified by Vertucci standard, the inter-orifice distance of canal orifices, the curvature of each canal and the distance from root tip to maxillary sinus floor.

RESULTS

Among the 1118 teeth, 94.2% (1053) are single-rooted and 55.1% (616) have one canal. Type I (55.1%) is the commonest root canal morphology followed by Type II (31.9%). The mean inter-orifice distance (IOD) for multi-canal teeth ranging from 2.72 ± 0.32 to 3.41 ± 0.11 mm. Of 1622 canals, 38.8% (630) curvature are mesiodistal and 30.9% (501) are straight canals. The distance from root tip to maxillary sinus floor increased with age and the mean distance of single-rooted ones is 2.47 ± 3.45 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

All kinds of canal morphology category can be detected in maxillary second premolars. The IOD might be a predictable factor for root canal morphology. Roots of maxillary second premolars are related to maxillary sinus which should be treated carefully.

Root and Root Canal Morphology Classification Systems

Introduction

While there are many root morphology classification systems with their own distinct advantages, there are many shortcomings that come along with each system.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to compare the various root and root canal morphology classifications, their advantages, limitations, and clinical and research implications. Data Sources and Selection. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify the published data on root and root canal classification systems published until 1 May 2020 using keywords, root canal classification system, classification systems for root canals, and root morphology. The related literature was reviewed and then summarized. Data Synthesis. Several studies have analysed and detailed root and root canal classifications and further added new subsystems, works of Weine et al. (1969) and Vertucci et al. (1974). Besides, Sert and Bayirli (2004) added supplementary types to Vertucci's classification system. A new classification was most recently introduced by Ahmed et al. (2017) involving the use of codes for tooth numbering, number of roots, and canal configuration.

Conclusions

Weine et al. classified only single-rooted teeth, without considering multirooted teeth and complex configurations. Vertucci's classification included complex configurations, with Sert and Bayirli adding further complex supplemental types. Ahmed et al.'s classification simplifies classifying root and canal morphology while overcoming the limitations of several previous classification systems making it beneficial for implementation in dental schools.

Analysis of Root Canal Curvature and Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Guizhou, China

Background

We investigated the root canal curvature and morphology of maxillary posterior teeth in Guizhou, China, to provide references for clinical practice.

Material/Methods

We collected 274 maxillary posterior teeth in Guizhou Province, China. The root canal curvature was observed by X-ray film measurement. Two hundred teeth were selected to make transparent tooth models, and root canal configuration was recorded according to Vertucci classification criteria. The position of the MB2 root canal orifice and the mesiobuccal root canal configuration were observed by micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning. The t test and the chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The root canals of the maxillary posterior teeth showed more significant curvature in the mesiodistal direction than in the buccolingual direction (P<0.05). The MB2 root canal of maxillary molars showed severe bending in the mesiodistal direction: 25.16±6.6 degrees and 28.05±8.65 degrees in first and second molars, respectively. The detection rate of MB2 was 48% in maxillary first molars and 32% in maxillary second molars. The results of micro-CT showed that the vertical distances between the MB2 and MB-P line were 0.64±0.34 mm and 0.57±0.28 mm in first and second molars, respectively.

Conclusions

The root canal morphology and curvature of maxillary posterior teeth varied greatly in the Guizhou population, which increases the difficulty of treatment. It is necessary for clinicians to gain understanding of the root canal and to improve the success rate of root canal therapy.

[Imaginology in the diagnosis and planning of root duct systems: an updated review]

Root canal systems present a varied morphological conformation for each group of teeth. Several authors have described the anatomical conformation and its variants in different classifications, including the main, collateral, lateral, secondary, accessory, interduct, recurrent, apical delta and interradicular cavus canals. Currently, radiology still does not allow visualization of all these structures. However, proper use of imaging techniques together with the use of new 3D equipment for adjustments of acquisition parameters with adequate software and algorithms allows greater image precision, facilitating diagnosis and the planning of the most adequate approach for endodontic treatments. The objective of this article was to conduct a review of the literature to identify new concepts and useful imaging tools for better diagnoses.