Evaluation of root morphology and canal configuration of maxillary premolars in a sample of Pakistani population by using cone beam computed tomography

Objectives: To evaluate the root canal morphology of maxillary premolars. Method: This retrospective study was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017 at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and reviewed Cone Beam Computed Tomography images of maxillary first and second premolars done from November 2014 to October 2016. Frequency distribution of Vertucci's classification was determined. Chi square test was applied to determine any association between Vertucci's type and gender. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 114 first premolars, 74(68.6%) were bi-rooted and 36(31.5%) were single-rooted. The mean lengths of buccal and palatal roots were 20.6 ±1.7mm and 19.5±2.0 mm, respectively. The most common canal morphology reported for maxillary first premolars was type I 127(68%) followed by type II 24(12.9%). Of the 115 maxillary second premolars, 97(84%) were single-rooted. The mean lengths of buccal and palatal root were 20.7±1.6mm and 19.0±1.45mm, respectively. The most common canal morphology reported for second premolars was type I 71(53.4%) followed by type II 18(13.5%). Conclusion: Vertucci's type I was the most common canal configuration for maxillary first and second premolars and there was no gender-based difference for root canal morphology of maxillary premolars.