Root canal morphology of maxillary second premolars in an Indian population.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate root canal morphology of maxillary second premolars in an Indian population.


METHODS
Two hundred maxillary second premolars were collected, stained, decalcified, and cleared. Cleared teeth were examined in a steromicroscope under 7.5× magnification and the following observations were made: (1) length of the teeth, (2) number of root canals, (3) root canal configuration by Vertucci's classification, (4)number of isthmi between the canals, (5) frequency of apical deltas.


RESULTS
Of the two hundred maxillary second premolars, 64.1% had one root canal at the apex and 35.4 % had two root canals at the apex. The average length of the teeth was 21.5 mm. Concerning the canal morphology, 33.6% of the teeth exhibited Vertucci type II configuration followed by type IV pattern (31.1%); 29.2% of the teeth possessed type I pattern. An additional canal configuration type XIX was found in one tooth. Isthmi and apical deltas was found in 19% and 14% of the cases, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The root canal morphology of Maxillary second premolars can be complex and requires careful evaluation prior to endodontic therapy.
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Udayakumar
U
Jayasimha Raj
Sumitha
S
Mylswamy