Evaluation of root canal morphology of mandibular premolar teeth using cone-beam computed tomography

Awareness of root canal anatomy and morphology of the teeth is important in endodontic treatment. It is possible to evaluate root canal anatomy in three spatial planes with the use of cone-beam computed tomography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different configurations of root canal anatomy of mandibular premolar teeth using cone-beam computed tomography.
In this retrospective descriptive study, CBCT images of 61 patients, including 150 mandibular premolars (75 first premolars and 75 second premolars) were selected. Axial sections with 1-mm slice thickness and distance were reconstructed. One endodontist and one radiologist evaluated the root canal morphology of the teeth on the images. Weine classification of root canal configuration, consisting of four groups was used. Data were collected and the frequency of different configurations of root canal morphology of mandibular premolar teeth was determined using descriptive statistics.
Of 75 mandibular first premolars, 72 teeth (96%) were type I, 2 teeth (2.665%) were type II and 1 tooth (1.335%) was type III. Of 75 mandibular second premolars, 73 teeth (97.33%) were type I, 2 teeth (2.665%) were type II. Type III and IV were not seen in mandibular seconds premolars.
Based on the results of the present study, type I of Weine classification was the most frequent root canal morphology in mandibular first and second premolars. In addition, type IV was the least frequent root canal morphology of mandibular premolars.