Prevalence Studies on Root Canal Anatomy Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Imaging: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Existing prevalence studies on root canal anatomy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) show dispersed results.
• A systematic review is needed to appraise and combine these studies under strict criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize prevalence data on root canal configurations.
• To understand the distribution of root canal anatomy types across different populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review registered in PROSPERO.
• Searched six electronic databases and hand-searched references.
• Included 52 studies from 28 countries, evaluating 102,610 teeth.
• Assessed study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool.

Main Results:

• A wide prevalence range of the second mesiobuccal canal was observed in maxillary molars.
• Maxillary first premolars and mandibular second molars frequently exhibited single-rooted configurations.
• Mandibular first molars in Asian populations showed a high prevalence of three-rooted morphology.

Conclusions:

• Global tendencies for specific root canal morphologies exist in certain tooth groups.
• Significant diversity in root canal anatomy types is evident among different populations.