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Anatomical Variations in Root Canal Configuration of Maxillary Second Premolars: A Narrative Review
Michał Głąbski1, Monika Kuczmaja1, Agata Żółtowska1
1Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland.
Dentistry Journal
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Maxillary second premolars show diverse root anatomy, with single roots being most common. Understanding these variations is crucial for successful endodontic treatment, especially with advanced imaging like CBCT.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Dental Anatomy
Background:
- Maxillary second premolars often present complex internal anatomy.
- Assuming simple anatomy can lead to clinical errors in endodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on root number and canal configurations of maxillary second premolars.
- To analyze variations across different populations and identify influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed (2015-2025) using "maxillary second premolar anatomy."
- Inclusion of 27 human-based studies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.
- Analysis of root morphology and canal configurations (Vertucci's classification).
Main Results:
- Single-rooted morphology is most prevalent (>70%), with ethnic variations.
- Two roots found in a smaller percentage, more common in males; three roots are rare (<2%).
- Vertucci Type I canal configuration is most frequent (>50%), but complex types (IV, V) show significant variability.
Conclusions:
- Maxillary second premolar anatomy is highly variable, necessitating detailed understanding for endodontic success.
- CBCT imaging is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Further research on population-specific anatomical differences is recommended.
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