Prevalence of C-Shape Canal in Mandibular Second Molar in South Indian Population

Unusual root canal anatomy always poses a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Identification of such variation is important for the success of root canal treatment outcome. C-shape canal is such an aberrant morphology of molar teeth that vary in different population. Thus, knowledge of racial predilection of C-shape canal configuration in different population for early diagnosis is obligatory. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of C-shape canal in mandibular second molar. Case records of patients who visited the department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Saveetha Dental College from June 2019 to March 2020. 475 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The data was analysed through chi square. It was observed that C-shape canal was prevalent in the mandibular second molar. Out of 475 patients, 5.89% were reported with C-shape canal in the mandibular second molar with maximum prevalence in the age group 14-34 years and slightly more in females than males (p>0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that C-shape canal is less prevalent when compared to normal canal anatomy in mandibular second molar.