EMRE KÖSE, RÜYA AK
Clinical and Experimental Health Sciences - 2021;11(3):444-448
Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped canal configuration in maxillary first and second molars according to age and gender by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish population. Methods: In this retrospective study, 709 first and 739 second maxillary molars were examined. CBCT images of teeth were examined in different axial sections to determine the presence of C-shaped canal configuration. C-shaped canal configuration was classified into five groups according to the fusion of root canals. Prevalence of C-shaped canal configuration between first and second molars, age groups and genders were compared. The chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables. The differences were considered significant if the p value was less than 0.05. Results: A total of 1448 teeth were evaluated and 3% (n=43) of them had C-shaped canal configuration. The presence of C-shaped canal configuration was significantly more common in the second molars than the first molars (p = 0.000) No significant difference in the prevalence of C-shaped configuration was observed comparing genders and age groups (p>0.05). Type A and E canal configuration were not detected in first molars. Conclusion: C-shaped canal configuration is a rare anatomical variation of maxillary molars. This variation includes fins or isthmuses connecting root canals which create challenges during endodontic treatment. Perceiving the variations with CBCT imaging helps clinicians to understand and treat complex cases without complication. Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the rare variations for better outcomes.
