C-shaped root canals in mandibular second molars in a Saudi Arabian population
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
1Dental Department, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in a population in Saudi Arabia and to establish a classification for the most common configurations.
Methodology:
One hundred and fifty-one mandibular second molars scheduled for root-canal treatment were examined over a 1-year period. The C-shaped canals were detected by radiographic and clinical examination. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using a modification of the classification of Melton.
Results:
Of the 151 molars, 16 (10.6%) exhibited C-shaped canals. Five molars were classified as category I, and three were considered category II. The remaining eight cases were classified as category III, with two in subdivision I, two in subdivision II, and the remaining four in subdivision IIL.
Conclusions:
The C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars vary considerably in their anatomical configuration with the result that debridement, obturation, and restoration may be difficult.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.