Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular First and Second Premolars in Nepalese Population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mandibular premolars are challenging to treat endodontically due to their varied root and canal morphology, impacting treatment prognosis. This study aimed to assess the root and canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Nepali subpopulation using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 untreated mandibular first and second premolars teeth of both right and left side having completely developed roots from 87 CBCT images of patients from September 2021-April 2024. The study assessed the number of roots, root canals, their configurations and the tooth length.

RESULTS

Significant variations in root morphology were observed in mandibular premolars, with most having one root (91.40% in first premolars, 100% in  second premolars) and  one  canal (50% in  first  premolars, 70.69% in  second premolars). Type I configurations were most common (50% in first premolars, 70.69% in second premolars), followed by Type V (21.26% in first premolars, 13.79% in second premolars). C-shaped canals were more frequent in first premolars (2.3%) than second premolars (1.15%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into root canal morphology variations of mandibular premolars in Nepalese sub population. The findings can help clinicians better understand importance CBCT's in anatomical variations and improve endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for better outcomes.