Evaluation of the Root Canal Morphology of Molars by Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in a Brazilian Population: Part I.
BACKGROUND
One of the factors influencing the success of endodontic treatment is anatomic knowledge of the root canal system. Because of the difficulties of using conventional radiographic methods to evaluate root canals, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been very useful for evaluating the morphology of root canals. The purpose of this study was to use CBCT to evaluate differences in the anatomy of the mandibular first molars with respect to the patient's sex and the location of the tooth in a Brazilian population.


METHODS
The study included CBCT images from 198 patients (106 women and 92 men), representing a total of 342 teeth.


RESULTS
Of the 342 mandibular first molars included in the study, 0.3% had 2 canals, 75.1% had 3 canals, 23.7% had 4 canals, and 0.9% had 5 canals. The ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 81 years old, with an average age of 48.9 years. Women were more likely to have 2 canals on the distal root of the right side than men were (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Because the Brazilian population has differences in root canal morphology compared with other populations around the world, further studies are needed to aid endodontic diagnosis and treatment.
Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil; University of São Paulo School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: bcaputo@usp.br.
Bruno Vieira
BV
Caputo
Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil; University of São Paulo School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil.
Gilberto Araújo
GA
Noro Filho
University of São Paulo School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil.
Daniela Miranda Richarte
DM
de Andrade Salgado
Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Endodontics, Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Cacio
C
Moura-Netto
Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil; Center for Study and Care of Special Patients (CEAPE), Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Elcio Magdalena
EM
Giovani
Department of Stomatology, University of São Paulo School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil.
Claudio
C
Costa
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D012737:Sex Factors; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult
Cone beam computed tomography; dental anatomic gender differences; molars; morphology; root canals