Cone beam computed tomography analysis of the root and canal morphology of the maxillary second molars in a Syrian subpopulation

To investigate the root number and morphology of the maxillary second molars in the Syrian population besides bilateral symmetry, and the effect of gender. 250 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images (140 females, 110 males) were examined by two endodontists. The detailed analysis included the number of roots, the number of canals and their configurations, bilateral symmetry, and relation to gender. The evaluation was made according to Vertucci classification by analyzing the CBCT images at all levels (Axial, Coronal, Sagittal, Oblique, and 3D). The Chi-square statistical analysis was performed to compare the canals' morphologies and bilateral symmetry in both genders via SPSS. The most common shape of the upper second molars is three roots (90.4%). There were significant differences between males and females regarding the symmetry of the number of roots (P