title: Root canal morphology of mandibular first permanent molars in an Indian population.
abstract: An in vitro study was performed to determine the number of roots, root canals per tooth, root canal configurations, and frequency of isthmi and apical deltas in mandibular first permanent molars in an Indian population. Hundred and fifty mandibular first permanent molars were collected and subjected to clearing technique. The cleared teeth were examined in a stereomicroscope under 7.5x magnifications. The canal configurations were categorized using Vertucci's classification. Overall 94.6% of the mandibular first molars had two roots, and 5.3% had extradistal roots (distolingual root). In addition, 64% of the specimens had three root canals, and 36% had four root canals. The most common canal configurations of mesial and distal roots were Vertucci type IV (54%) and type I (65.3%), respectively. Clinician should be aware of the complex root canal morphology of mandibular first molars among the Indian population before and during the root canal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Peoples College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal 462037, India.
authors.forename: Hemant Ramesh
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Chourasia
authors.forename: Ganesh K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Meshram
authors.forename: Manjusha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Warhadpande
authors.forename: Darshan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dakshindas