Abstract:
PURPOSE : An investigation of the configurations of mandibular premolar
roots and canals in a population of Black South Africans.
METHODS : Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of 772 mandibular
premolars was performed, and the premolars were classified according to
the systems proposed by Vertucci and Ahmed et al. Root number, canal
morphology, age, and sex were recorded. Fisher’s exact test was used to
determine relationships based on age and sex (P < 0.05).
RESULTS : Single roots were seen in the majority of mandibular premolars
(97.1%). Single canal configurations (i.e., Vertucci Type 1/Ahmed et al.
1MP1) were observed in 48.5% of first and 81.3% of second mandibular
premolars. Mandibular first premolars demonstrated multiple canals in
more than half of the sample (51.5%), and C-shaped morphology in more
than one-tenth (11.1%). A relationship between sex and the presence of
radicular grooves was demonstrated (P = 0.049), males being more likely
to demonstrate this feature (P = 0.051). Multiple canals in mandibular
first premolars also showed a relationship with sex (P = 0.005), a male
predilection being evident (P = 0.007). The Ahmed et al. system proved
superior to the Vertucci classification for reporting complex configurations
and anatomical variations, although a greater number of unique categories
were created.
CONCLUSION : Diverse mandibular premolar root and canal morphology was
observed in the studied population. Clinicians must be aware of common
morphological features as well as possible anatomical variations in mandibular
premolars, as failure to treat complete root canal systems may
negatively impact endodontic treatment outcomes.
