Root Anatomy and Canal Configuration of Maxillary Premolars: A Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study

The aim of the study was to determine the number and anatomical configuration of roots and root canals of maxillary first and second premolars using cone-beam computed tomography scans. n273 CBCT scans were evaluated, obtaining a sample of 592 maxillary premolars. Root number and root canal anatomy were categorized using Ahmed's classification. Data was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-squared test. Two roots were present on 157 first premolars, one root in 132 premolars and three roots in 17. Second premolars presented one root in 266 samples and two roots in 20; no second premolars presented three roots. Eight different configurations were found; the most frequent was 2MP B1 P1 in first premolars (51,3 %) and 1MP1 (63.6 %) in second premolars. The most frequent morphology found in maxillary premolars in Chilean population was two and three roots. The analysis of internal anatomy using CBCT revealed a highly variable distribution of root canals, generally of low to medium complexity, similar to what is found in other ethnic groups.

Automated summary

This study used CBCT scans to determine the number and anatomy of roots and root canals in maxillary premolars, finding a high variability in root numbers and canal configurations, with most cases having two or three roots. The most common morphology in the Chilean population was two or three roots. Root canal distribution was highly variable and generally of low to medium complexity.