title: Evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary molars using cone beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The success of endodontic treatment is based on cleaning and shaping of the root canals. The root canals have complex morphology and wide individual variations. The objective of this study was to analyze root canals morphology and existence of extra canals in maxillary molars in Saudi subpopulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Freshly extracted maxillary first molars (n=100) were included in this study. All teeth were examined for morphology of roots, root canals and apical foramen by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The root canals configuration was classified using Vertucci's classification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of maxillary first molars (94%) were having three distinctly separated roots and 6% had four roots. Palatal and distobuccal roots were observed to contain one root canal (100%) and Vertucci's type I configuration. The mesiobuccal root had one (29.4%; type I) or two canals (70.6%; type II, III or IV).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The occurrence of second canal in the mesiobuccal root of upper first molar is very much likely (>70%). The mesiobuccal roots are more likely to have Vertucci's type I or II configuration (>76%). The palatal and distobuccal roots always have a Vertucci's type I canal configuration.
authors.affiliation: Mothanna Alrahabi, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mothanna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alrahabi
authors.affiliation: Muhammad Sohail Zafar, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sohail Zafar
keywords: 1st Molar; Endodontics; Vertucci’s classification