Three-dimensional analysis of maxillary first molar mesiobuccal root canal configuration and curvature using micro-computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
The complex anatomic configuration of the maxillary first molar mesiobuccal (MB) root canal system has been the subject of several studies. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the 3-dimensional (3D) characteristics of the maxillary first molar MB canal system using micro-computed tomography (microCT).


METHODS
Extracted maxillary first molars (46) were scanned by microCT and their canals reconstructed by 3D modeling software.


RESULTS
In these MB roots, nearly two-thirds (65.2%) had 2 canals, fewer than one-third (28.3%) had only 1 canal, and a few (6.5%) had 3 canals. The most common root canal configuration was 2 distinct canals (type III: 37.0%), followed by 1 single canal (type I: 28.3%), 2 canals that joined together (type II: 17.4%), 1 canal that split into 2 (type IV: 10.9%), and 3 canals (type V: 6.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
MicroCT provided an in-depth analysis of canal configurations, as well as length, curvature, and location of calcified segments.
Park
Jong-Wook
JW
Department of Oral Anatomy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Lee
Jong-Ki
JK
Ha
Byung-Hyun
BH
Choi
Jeong-Ho
JH
Perinpanayagam
Hiran
H
D000328:Adult; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012984:Software; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*