Diversity of root canal morphology of maxillary first molars

Introduction: The morphological characteristics of root canals may show divergent results for different populations. The precise knowledge of the tooth anatomy has a great importance from the point-of-view of the endodontic treatment. The aim of the present study is to map the root canal morphology and anatomical variations of the maxillary first molars on a local population, as well as the study of the possible communications between the canals.

Material and method: CBCT images were evaluated during the study using the Ez3D Plus – 3D Imaging Dental Software. Teeth sections were examined in three directions: axial, saggittal and coronal. In case of maxillary first molars with four root canals the presence of an isthmus was evaluated between the two mesiobuccal root canals, on transversal sections.

Results: In 23.72% of the cases three root canals were found, while in 76.27% of the cases four root canals were found. No statistically significant differences were found between genders. Among the mesiobuccal root canals the communication was found mostly in the middle third and this was extended to the apical third.

Conclusions: Since the communication between the two mesiobuccal root canals is present in most of the cases, the clinicians have to be aware of this in order to achieve a successful therapy. In the majority of the cases the four root canal morphological variation is more freqvent than the three canal variation, but with aging this freqvency is reduced.