Anatomical Configuration of Roots and Canal Morphology of Primary Mandibular First Molars: A CBCT Study

Introduction: Root and canal morphology plays a vital role in improving the success rate of the endodontic treatment in primary teeth. The morphology of root canals in primary teeth leads to complications during pulp therapy. Studies done for assessing the root canal morphology and variations in primary teeth in Indian population are very scarce. Aim: To evaluate the root and canal morphology of primary mandibular first molar (PMFMs) teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in paediatric Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 complete mandibular arch CBCT images of paediatric patients of the age group five to 10 years used in this study. The database was collected from Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru. Sixty PMFMs from these 30 CBCT images were assessed for root and canal morphology and variation. Children of five to 10 years only were included in this study because the root completion of primary mandibular molars is around three years of age. This particular age group was chosen in order to ensure the integrity of the original morphology of the root canals of primary mandibular molars and also the amount of root resorption is minimal in this age. The study data was analyzed using SPSS version. 22 [IBM, Corp.,] for windows. Results: Out of the 30 individuals enrolled with 60 PMFM’s majority of the primary mandibular first molars had two roots and three canals (68.3%), 20.0% had two roots and four canals and 11.7% had three roots and three canals. The bilaterally symmetrical incidence of variant 2 in this population was 70.4% variant 3 was – 18.5% and for variant 4 was 11.1%. There was no statistical difference between genders in the variance of root and canal number and morphology. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the PMFMs showed considerable variation in number and morphology of its root and its root canal. Very few studies have been conducted to find out the root canal morphology and anatomical variations in primary dentition. We as Paedodontists should be critical in evaluating root canal morphology in primary teeth for the overall success of the treatment plan.