Multiple Roots and Canals in Mandibular Canines and Premolars in a Brazilian Population: A Cross Sectional Study Using CBCT and Panoramic Radiography

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of external and internal numerical root variations of mandibular canines and premolars in southern Bahia. 384 Panoramic Radiography (PAN) and 384 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) of patients over 14 years old who had all mandibular canines and premolars were evaluated for internal and external numerical variation. Gender predilection of morphological configurations was assessed using the x2 test (p <0.05). For the PAN, 0.5% of the patients had a canine with two roots, while 2.1% and 3% had first premolar and second premolar with two roots, respectively. Regarding internal variation, 2.9% had a canine with two canals, while 15.9% and 6.5% had a first premolar and second premolar with two canals, respectively. For the CBCT, 2.7% of the patients had a canine with two roots, while 16.4% and 2.1% had first premolar and second premolar with two roots, respectively. Three rooted first and second premolar accounted for 0.3%. Regarding the internal variation, 3.4% had a canine with two canals, while 24% and 6.5% had a first premolar and second premolar with two canals, respectively. Three or four canals accounted for 0,7% for first premolars and 0.3% for second premolars. Despite many variants, the most prevalent root configuration for these groups in Bahia´s southern region is one root with one canal. This finding may serve as a guide in clinical endodontic therapy.