Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the root canal anatomy of maxillary permanent molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in an Egyptian Ismailia population.
Methods: Four hundred and thirty two maxillary molars were included in this study. CBCT scans were evaluated by an oral radiologist and an endodontist. Root morphology and number as well as root canal number were evaluated. Root canal configurations were classified according to Vertucci's method. Gender and bilateral symmetry were recorded. For root canal configurations, gender and bilateral sides, Pearson's chi-square test was used (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: The 216 maxillary first (1st ) molars that were included demonstrated only 3 roots configuration. On the other hand, 216 maxillary second (2nd ) molars displayed wide variety of root configuration. The most common was 3 followed by 2 and the least single root configuration . Regarding maxillary 1st molars, the highest frequency of Vertucci's classification for the mesiobuccal root (MBR) were type II (82.4%), type IV (6.48%), type I (9.72%) and type III (1.39%). For the distobuccal root (DBR), the most common of Vertucci's classification were type I (98.15%) and type II (1.85%). Regarding maxillary 2nd molars, the highest frequency of Vertucci's classification for the MBR were type II ( 55.09%), type I ( 38.9%), type IV (3.70%) and type III (2.31%). For the DBR , the most common of Vertucci's classification were type I (99%) and type II (0.01%). Incase of 2 roots, 1.4%, 1.9% had Type I for the buccal and palatal roots respectively. Additionally, type II was found in 0.5% of the cases. For one root, only one case (0.5%) was found had Type I. No anatomic variation was found for palatal roots for maxillary 1st and 2nd molars. Although, there was significant difference between females and males in most of the cases, the frequency of having 2nd canal in the MBR is comparable in both genders. There was no statistical difference between both sides. C-shaped canals were noticed in maxillary molars. Bilateral symmetry was displayed.
Conclusion: Pre-assessment of the maxillary molars using CBCT imaging provides clear data for the root canal morphology that might increase the prognosis of the root canal treatment.