Abstract:
This cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study aimed
to describe the maxillary premolar anatomy of a South African subpopulation
using two classification systems. A total of 601 premolars were
evaluated. For each tooth, the root number and canal configurations were
described using the classification systems devised by Vertucci (1984)
and Ahmed et al. (2017). Correlations between root number and sex
were determined using the chi-squared test (P = 0.05). Two roots were
present in approximately half of all maxillary first premolars (54.1%, n
= 171/316). The majority of maxillary second premolars displayed one
root (78.2%, n = 223/285). Single-rooted maxillary second premolars were
more common in females (P < 0.05). The Vertucci type IV configuration
was most prevalent in the maxillary first premolars. In contrast, maxillary
second premolars showed a greater tendency toward Vertucci’s type
I configuration. The classification proposed by Ahmed et al. indicated the
most prevalent maxillary first premolar configuration to be 2MP B1P1. The
most common configuration among the maxillary second premolars was
1MP1. Diverse root and canal anatomical presentations were found in this
subpopulation. Both classification systems adequately describe maxillary
premolar anatomy; however, the system proposed by Ahmed et al. may
more accurately describe complex teeth.
