Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Molars in a Moroccan Subpopulation by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Its International Comparison: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: To determine the root and canal morphology of the mandibular first molars in a Moroccan subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed CBCT images using 2019 database from a private dental clinic in Casablanca (Morocco). Three hundred ninety-seven permanent mandibular first molars were evaluated in this study, according to Vertucci classification to determine root and canal morphology. The associations among the frequency of these variables were evaluated by the chi-square test (P < 0.05). Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Results: Approximately 95.2% of examined molars had two roots, 4.5% had three roots, and 0.3% had single root. No significant differences were observed between the sexes. The results show no differences between the sexes. The root canal configuration was significantly different between mesial root of two-rooted and three-rooted mandibular first molars (P < 0.001). The most frequent type in the mesial roots is type IV with 59.3% and 77.8% for two-rooted molars and three-rooted molars, respectively. The most frequent type in the mesial roots is type I (54.2% for molars with two-separated roots and 77.7%-100% for molars with three roots). Conclusion: A higher prevalence of two separate roots with two canals in the mesial root and single canal in the distal root was observed in 95.2%. The root canal configuration was significantly different between mesial root of two-rooted and three-rooted mandibular first molars.

Automated summary

This study assessed the root and canal morphology of mandibular first molars in a Moroccan subpopulation using CBCT images. The results showed that 95.2% of the examined molars had two roots, 4.5% had three roots, and 0.3% had a single root. There were no significant differences between the sexes. The root canal configuration was significantly different between the mesial root of two-rooted and three-rooted mandibular first molars.