title: A three-dimensional study of variations in root canal morphology using cone-beam computed tomography of mandibular premolars in a South Indian population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Conventional radiographic techniques being two dimensional, has its restrictions and is confined to limited diagnostic value. However, the incorporation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) gives a three dimensional insight to the tooth morphology and leads to better evaluation and treatment management.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the root canal morphology of mandibular pre-molars in South Indian Population using CBCT radiographic technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  One thousand and eighty six and 814 fully erupted mandibular first and second premolars respectively were scanned using CBCT to evaluate the canal morphology according to Vertucci and Gulabiwala's classification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common configuration in mandibular first and second premolars was Vertucci's Type I(83.81% and 93.48% respectively) followed by Type V (11.97% and 3.5% respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  South Indian population presented Type IV ertucci's canal morphology as the most common in mandibular first and second pre-molars followed by Type V. CBCT scanning poses a greater advantage in assessing the complexity of root canal morphology and planning an appropriate endodontic treatment for the same.
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, India .
authors.forename: Aditya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Senior Professor & HOD, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, India .
authors.forename: Mithra N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate Student, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, India .
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tahiliani
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Nair Hospital , Mumbai, India .
authors.forename: Heeresh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, India .
authors.forename: Ganesh T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences , Mangalore, India .
authors.forename: Shishir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shetty
keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Gulabiwala root canal configuration; Mandibular premolars; Root canal morphology; Vertucci root canal configuration