Background:
Dental root and canal morphology vary significantly across populations, impacting endodontic therapy and anthropological studies. Understanding these variations is crucial for clinical success and population classification. This study assessed root and canal morphology in maxillary premolars (upper 4s and 5s) in an Egyptian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods:
A total of 243 CBCT scans (121 upper first premolars and 122 upper second premolars) were analyzed. Root morphology was categorized by the number of roots (one or two), and canal configurations were classified using Vertucci's classification (Types I-VIII). Statistical analysis, including chi-square and ANOVA tests, evaluated variations.
Results:
Upper first premolars predominantly had two roots (72.72%), while upper second premolars mostly had one root (65.50%). The most common canal configuration in upper first premolars was Type VI (84.2%), and in upper second premolars, it was Type I (79.87%). Other configurations included Type II (8.13% in first premolars, 6.7% in second premolars) and Type IV (13.4% in second premolars). Significant variations were observed (p = 0.0001).
Conclusions:
This study highlights significant variability in root and canal morphology of maxillary premolars in an Egyptian population. Upper first premolars commonly have two roots with Type VI canals, while upper second premolars typically have one root with Type I canals. These findings emphasize the importance of CBCT for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches in endodontics and anthropology.