A Survey on Anatomy of Mesiobucal Root Canal in Permanent Maxillary First Molar Using CBCT in Rafsanjan in 2018: A Descriptive Study

The anatomy of maxillary molars is very complicated and root canal therapy for this specific group of teeth is a major challenge for dentists. Given the limitations of conventional techniques for finding the second mesiobuccal canal (MB-2) and anatomical differences observed in different ethnicities, this study aimed to determine the anatomy of mesiobuccal root canal in maxillary first permanent molars using CBCT (Cone-beam computed tomography) in Rafsanjan city.

In this descriptive study, 41 promax 3D CBCT radiographs of patients in Rafsanjan in 2018 were studied. To investigate the root morphology, after obtaining multiple planar reformation (MPR) images in sagittal and axial planes, evaluation was done by Vertucci classification. Data were analyzed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Of the 41 studied films, one canal was observed in mesiobuccal root in 15 (36.6%) films and two canals in the others 26 (63.4%) films. Among the roots containing two canals, second type of Vertucci classification was the most common type observed. It should be noted that there was no significant relationship between the number of canals and also the type of canals and gender (p=0.495 and p=0.583, respectively) and with quadrant of the tooth (respectively p=0.133 and p=0.669).

According to the results of the present study and the amount of two-canal mesiobuccal roots, it can be said that the preparation of CBCT film before root canal therapy in maxillary first molar is necessary to verify the existence and type of MB-2 canal.