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Evaluation of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars of a selected patient group using cone beam computed tomography: prevalence, configuration and radicular groove types

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence, symmetry and configurations of C-shaped canals and radicular groove types in mandibular second molars according to age and sex in a Turkish sub-population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In total, 674 CBCT images (368 females and 306 males, aged 18–76 years) of 1348 mandibular second molars were evaluated. The symmetry, configuration of C-shaped root canals, radicular groove types with age and sex were noted. One sample chi-square test and chi-square test were used to determine statistically significant differences. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Of the 1348 mandibular second molars evaluated, 10.7% had C-shaped root canals. C-shaped root canals appeared to be significantly more common in females than in males (p < 0.05). C1 (44.4%) was the most frequent configuration in the coronal third, and C2 (44.4%), and C4 (31.9%) were the most frequent configurations in middle and apical thirds, respectively. Type 2 (45.1%) was the most common radicular groove type (p < 0.05). The frequency of C-shaped root canals in mandibular second molars in a Turkish sub-population was considerably high (10.7%). CBCT can aid the detection of C-shaped canals and their configurations. Dentists should consider the possibility of C-shaped canals in root canal treatment of mandibular second molars, as these configurations have implications for biomechanical preparation and filling methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentisrty, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey

    Sema Sönmez Kaplan , Tuna Kaplan & Güzide Pelin Sezgin

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  1. Sema Sönmez Kaplan
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  2. Tuna Kaplan
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Correspondence to Sema Sönmez Kaplan .

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Sönmez Kaplan , S., Kaplan, T. & Sezgin, G.P. Evaluation of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars of a selected patient group using cone beam computed tomography: prevalence, configuration and radicular groove types. Odontology 109, 949–955 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-021-00616-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-021-00616-1

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