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Internal root morphology in maxillary first permanent molars in a Kenyan population
Abstract
Objective: To determine the internal root morphology and gender variations in maxillary first permanent molars in a Kenyan population.
Design: In vitro descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi.
Subject: One hundred and eighty seven maxillary first permanent molars were collected from Kenyans of African descent aged between 10 and 40 years attending dental clinics within Nairobi.
Results: Majority of palatal (98.9%), mesiobuccal (70.6%) and all distobuccal roots (100%) had one canal. Two canals were observed in 29.4% of the mesiobuccal roots. The number of canals and canal configurations in the maxillary roots were similar in both genders. The Vertucci type I canal configuration was the most predominant in all
roots. The mesiobuccal root presented the most varied canal configurations.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of maxillary first molars have four canals and the type I canal configuration is the most prevalent. More attention should be directed towards locating a second canal in the mesiobuccal root.
Design: In vitro descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi.
Subject: One hundred and eighty seven maxillary first permanent molars were collected from Kenyans of African descent aged between 10 and 40 years attending dental clinics within Nairobi.
Results: Majority of palatal (98.9%), mesiobuccal (70.6%) and all distobuccal roots (100%) had one canal. Two canals were observed in 29.4% of the mesiobuccal roots. The number of canals and canal configurations in the maxillary roots were similar in both genders. The Vertucci type I canal configuration was the most predominant in all
roots. The mesiobuccal root presented the most varied canal configurations.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of maxillary first molars have four canals and the type I canal configuration is the most prevalent. More attention should be directed towards locating a second canal in the mesiobuccal root.
