Evaluating root and canal configuration of mandibular first molars with cone beam computed tomography in a Turkish population

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

Disregarding radiation hazards, a rectangular shaped access cavity and magnification would negate a recommendation made by these investigators that CBCT may be an 'effective diagnostic modality for identifying...canal configuration'.

Main

Miloglu O, Arslan H et al. J Dent Sci 2013; 8: 80–86

This in vivo study used CBCT to identify the prevalence of four canals in mandibular first molar teeth. The subjects examined comprised over three hundred patients who attended the Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Turkey. Ethical approval for this study was not affirmed in this paper. More than a quarter of mandibular first molar teeth had a fourth canal. This proportion is broadly comparable to those reported in other studies. None of the distal canal configurations consisted of one orifice that then separated into two separate canals (Vertucci Type V). Three roots were found in 2.4% of the teeth. This may have implications for periodontal health and exodontia.