title: Spiral computed tomographic demonstration of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped canals in single rooted mandibular second molars with spiral computed tomographic imaging in detail.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twelve single-rooted mandibular second molar samples were selected from 491 extracted mandibular second molars. The teeth were scanned by spiral computed tomographic technique to examine canal configurations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evaluation criteria of the shape of roots was based on Manning's category as round, oval and C-shaped. The prevalence of C-shaped canals was found to be 8.1% in mandibular second molars. The evaluation of the root canal configurations of C-shaped mandibular second molars with single roots (40 teeth) was based on Vertucci's classification. Vertucci type I canals were most frequently seen in C-shaped mandibular second molars (40%). Additionally, we disclosed three additional canal types.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study demonstrated that high resolution visualization of the root canal shape can be achieved by spiral computed tomographic imaging.
authors.affiliation: Tepecik Yolu Sok, Evim Sitesi B Blok Daire 9, 34337, Etiler, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cimilli
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cimilli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mumcu
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kartal
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wesselink
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed