title: Evaluation of the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent molars in a south-eastern Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the root and canal morphology of the mandibular first and second permanent molars in a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 966) and second molar (n = 1165) teeth from 850 Turkish patients were evaluated. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. The data were analyzed by Pearson's Chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of mandibular molars were two rooted with three canals; however, three roots were identified in 0.05% of the first molars and 0.01% of the second molars, and 100% of the additional root canals were of type I configuration. Mesial roots had more complex canal systems with more than one canal, whereas most distal roots had a type I configuration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that CBCT scanning provides supplemental information about the root canal configurations of mandibular molars in a Turkish population. This study may help clinicians in the root canal treatment of mandibular molars.
authors: Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkiye.
authors: Bilge Gulsum
authors: BG
authors: Nur
authors: Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkiye.
authors: Evren
authors: E
authors: Ok
authors: Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkiye.
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Altunsoy
authors: Department of Oral and Maxilla Facial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkiye.
authors: Osman Sami
authors: OS
authors: Aglarci
authors: Department of Oral and Maxilla Facial Radiology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkiye.
authors: Mehmet
authors: M
authors: Colak
authors: Department of Oral and Maxilla Facial Radiology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkiye.
authors: Enes
authors: E
authors: Gungor
keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; mandibular permanent molars; root and canal morphology; south-eastern Turkish population