Middle Mesial Canals in Mandibular Molars: Incidence and Related Factors

Introduction: Although the internal anatomy of mandibular molars has been extensively studied, information about middle mesial (MM) canals is limited. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of MM canals in mandibular first and second molars. The secondary aim was to correlate the incidence of MM canals with variables of molar type, sex, age, ethnicity, and presence of a second distal canal. Methods: All mature permanent first and second mandibular molars treated from August 2012 to May 2014 were included in the analysis. After completion of root canal instrumentation in all main canals, the clinician inspected the isthmus area of the nnesial root using the dental operating microscope. If there was a catch point in this area with a file or explorer, the operator spent more time attempting to negotiate an MM canal. Results: Seventy-five mandibular first and second molars were treated during the specified period. Fifteen (20%) teeth had negotiable MM canals. The incidence of MM canals was 32.1% in patients <= 20 years old, 23.8% in patients 21-40 years old, and 3.8% in patients >40 years. Analysis of data revealed a significant difference in the distribution of MM canals among different age groups (P < .05). The differences in the distribution of MM canals based on sex, ethnicity, molar type, and presence of a second distal canal were not significant. Conclusions: The incidence of negotiable MM canals overall and their frequency of identification in younger patients were higher than in previous reports.