A STEREOMICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE ROOT CANAL MORPHOLOGY OF HUMAN MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS AND MANDIBULAR SECOND PREMOLARS

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Aim: To investigate the root canal morphology of human maxillary central incisors and mandibular second premolars in a Turkish population.

Methodology: Fifty extracted maxillary central incisors and fifty mandibular second premolars were collected and India ink was injected into the canals. The teeth were demineralized in 5% nitric acid, cleared with methyl salicylate and then examined using stereomicroscope.

Results: The root canal configurations of the central incisors were as follows: Type-I (94%), Type-V (4%), and Type-VII (2%). Those of the mandibular second premolars were Type-I (90%), Type-VI (2%), Type-VII (6%), and Type-IX (2%). The main apical foramen was located in the center of the root apex of maxillary central incisors and mandibular second premolars at frequencies of 70% and 82%, respectively. The highest frequency of lateral canals was found in the apical third of root canals in both incisors (55.5%) and premolars (87.5%). The frequency of apical foramina in both central incisors and mandibular second premolars was 42%. Apical deltas were seen in incisors and premolars at frequencies of 8% and 12%, respectively. Anastomosis between canals was only seen in mandibular second premolars at a frequency of 2%.

Conclusion: The clinician must have an understanding of the complexity of the root canal system and its possible variations in order to achieve a technically satisfactory outcome in endodontic practice.