USE OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO EVALUATE THE PREVALENCE OF C-SHAPED CANALS IN MANDIBULAR FIRST AND SECOND MOLARS IN CENTRAL INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction: Successful treatment of root canal depends on the proper identification and debridement of the canal. The use of Cone-beam computed tomography [CBCT] has made identification of C-shaped canal configuration easier. Studies in the Central Indian population are limited and most do not show prevalence in mandibular first molar hence this study was designed with the intent of using Cone-beam Computed Tomography [CBCT] to evaluate the prevalence of C- shaped canals in mandibular first and second molars in the central Indian population. 

Materials and Method: A total of 300 patients’ data were examined from January 2019 to July 2019 for the central Indian population. The CBCT was used for the examination in coronal, axial, and sagittal views. The canal configurations in both mandibular first and second molars were checked. The comparison was done between mandibular first and second molars, male and female populations, and the quadrants between right and left.

Results: Mandibular second molar [8.2%] showed more occurrence of C-shaped canals than first [0.2%]. It was seen more in females in mandibular second molars [9.3%] than in males [7.1%]. Only one case of C-shape was seen in mandibular first molar which was in males [0.4%]. The left [9.1%] quadrant showed more prevalence than the right [7.0%]. There was no significant difference found in the C-shaped canals of mandibular first and second molars with respect to gender as well as the quadrant system as the P-value obtained for them was not less than 0.05.

Conclusion: The C-shaped root canal structure in mandibular second molars as compared to mandibular first molars has a racial predilection and a high prevalence rate.

Keywords: C-shaped canal, Cone-beam Computed Tomography, Mandibular first molar, Mandibular second molar, Root canal anatomy