Evaluation of the root and canal morphology of mandibular first permanent molars in a sample of Pakistani population by cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first molars using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. METHODS: The retrospective study was done at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records of patients who visited the dental clinics from December 2016 to March 2017. Mandibular first permanent molars were evaluated on Cone Beam Computed Tomography images. Frequency distribution of Vertucci's classification was determined, and so was the association between Vertucci's classifications and gender. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 142 mandibular first permanent molars were evaluated on 78 Cone Beam Computed Tomography images. The most common Vertucci's classification was Type IV for mesial root 86(60.56%) and Type I for distal root 63(44%). There was no difference in the two genders for root canal morphology (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Type IV Vertucci's were prevalent in the mesial root and Type I were common in the distal root of permanent mandibular first molars.