Evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary molars using cone beam computed tomography

Objectives: The success of endodontic treatment is based on cleaning and shaping of the root canals. The root canals have complex morphology and wide individual variations. The objective of this study was to analyze root canals morphology and existence of extra canals in maxillary molars in Saudi subpopulation.

Methods: Freshly extracted maxillary first molars (n=100) were included in this study. All teeth were examined for morphology of roots, root canals and apical foramen by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The root canals configuration was classified using Vertucci’s classification.

Results: The majority of maxillary first molars (94%) were having three distinctly separated roots and 6% had four roots. Palatal and distobuccal roots were observed to contain one root canal (100%) and Vertucci’s type I configuration. The mesiobuccal root had one (29.4%; type I) or two canals (70.6%; type II, III or IV).

Conclusions: The occurrence of second canal in the mesiobuccal root of upper first molar is very much likely (>70%). The mesiobuccal roots are more likely to have Vertucci’s type I or II configuration (>76%). The palatal and distobuccal roots always have a Vertucci’s type I canal configuration.