Morphologic study of the maxillary molars. Part II: Internal anatomy

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• Understanding root canal morphology is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
• Maxillary molars exhibit complex internal anatomy, often presenting variations in root canal number and configuration.
• Previous studies highlight the prevalence of multiple root canals in maxillary molars, necessitating detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the internal anatomy and root canal configurations of human maxillary molars.
• To determine the prevalence of three and four root canals in maxillary first, second, and third molars.
• To compare the incidence of root canal variations between different maxillary molar types.

Main Methods:

• Decalcification and clearing techniques were employed to study the internal anatomy.
• A total of 370 human maxillary molars (first, second, and third) were analyzed.
• Detailed examination of root canal systems was performed to count canals and identify configurations.

Main Results:

• 75% of first molars, 58% of second molars, and 68% of third molars had three root canals.
• 25% of first molars, 42% of second molars, and 32% of third molars had four root canals.
• A higher incidence of two root canals in the mesiobuccal root was observed in second maxillary molars compared to first molars.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary molars frequently present with three or four root canals, with prevalence varying by molar type.
• The mesiobuccal root of second maxillary molars shows a greater tendency for two canals than that of first molars.
• These anatomical findings are vital for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical dentistry.