Cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the root canal morphology of primary molars

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of primary molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsThis cross-sectional study evaluated 60 maxillary and mandibular primary first and second molars on CBCT scans of patients retrieved from the archives of Hamadan School of Dentistry between 2018-2020. The teeth were evaluated regarding the number of roots and canals, canal type according to the Vertucci's classification, and root surface concavities. Data were analyzed descriptively and by independent t-test.ResultsThe most frequent number of canals and roots in the maxillary right and left first molars was 3 canals (60%) and 3 roots (80%). These values were 4 canals (80%) and 5 canals (50%) with 3 roots in the maxillary right and left second molars, respectively, 4 canals (100%) and 2 roots (50%), and 3 canals (60%) and 2 roots (50%) in mandibular right and left first molars, respectively, and 4 canals (92.3%) and 3 roots (61.5%) in mandibular right and left second molars. Vertucci's type IV was the most common canal type in mesial and distal canals, type I was the most common in mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, distobuccal, and distolingual, and types I and II were the most common in the palatal canal. The maximum and minimum concavities were noted in the buccal (26.7%) and mesial (8.3%) surfaces, respectively.ConclusionsA wide variation exists in the number of roots and canals of maxillary and mandibular primary molars, which calls for further attention in treatment of such teeth.

Automated summary

This study used CBCT to evaluate the root canal morphology of primary molars. The results showed a wide variation in the number of roots and canals, with 3 canals and 3 roots being the most common in maxillary first molars. Vertucci's type IV was the most common canal type, and the buccal surface had the highest percentage of concavities. These findings emphasize the need for careful treatment of primary molars due to their complex root canal anatomy.