Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Pavithra Prabakaran.
pavithraprabakaran14@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  A successful endodontic treatment requires proper knowledge and thus management of aberrant root canal systems. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence of C shaped canals in mandibular second molars in South Indian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and trace this occurrence as geographical phenomenon. Materials and Method: A total of 141 CBCT images of patients from native Indian population were obtained. It includes images of 72 males and 69 females for mandibular second molars with a total of 171 teeth.  111 samples had unilateral teeth images and 30 samples had bilateral teeth images. Image analysis was done by two examiners for more accurate results. Images were categorized according to Fan et al (2004) classification of C- shaped canal configurations and frequency of each category was determined. Subsequently prevalence and gender distribution were also determined. Result: 33 out of 171 teeth (19%) exhibited C-shaped canal configuration. Occurrence in third and fourth quadrants were equal while greater frequency was observed in females (30%) compared to males (12.5%). Category C1 was observed in highest frequency followed by Category C2 and C3.  Conclusion:  The present study shows that there is significant prevalence of C shaped canal configuration in mandibular second molars in South India population.

Keywords: Cone beam computed tomography; C-shaped canal systems; mandibular second molar; South Indian population.