Micro‐CT evaluation of C‐shaped mandibular first premolars in a Brazilian subpopulation. (10th October 2014) - Ordinola‐Zapata, R.
Abstract Aim To describe morphometric aspects of the internal anatomy of C‐shaped mandibular premolars from a Brazilian subpopulation using micro‐CT analysis. Methodology First mandibular premolars with radicular grooves (n = 123) were scanned using a micro‐computed tomography system. After cross‐section analysis, 83 specimens were identified with a C‐shaped canal and selected for micro‐CT analysis. Number and location of canals according to Vertucci's classification, distances between anatomic landmarks, occurrence of apical deltas, furcation canals, prevalence of C‐shaped cross‐sections at five levels as well as 2‐dimensional analysis (Area, perimeter, roundness, aspect ratio, major and minor diameters) were performed for the more prevalent anatomical features. Data were compared statistically using Kruskal–Wallis tests (α = 0.05). Results The more prevalent anatomical types according to Vertucci's classification were Type I (13%), III (8%), V (37%) and VII (2%). Mean distances from the furcation to the cemento‐enamel junction were in the range of 5.36–5.65 mm. Apical deltas and furcation canals were present in 36 (43%) and 27 (33%) specimens, respectively. C‐shaped cross‐sections were more prevalent at the middle (56%) and apical middle levels (81%). Overall, significant differences were found in the 2‐dimensional analyses between single canals at the apical third and buccal and lingual canals of Vertucci's V classification (P < 0.05). Conclusions In this Brazilian subpopulation, C‐shaped canal configuration of the root canal system was found in 67% of extracted first mandibular premolars with radicular grooves. Vertucci's types I and V were the most prevalent anatomical variations. C‐shaped cross‐sections were more prevalent in the middle third, and the presence of apical deltas was the most common feature in the apical third.