CBCT-Based Evaluation of Root Canal Configurations of Mandibular Second Molars and Their Relation to Mandibular Canal in Central Gujarat Population-A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To evaluate root canal configurations of mandibular second molars and their relation to mandibular canal in Central Gujarat population using CBCT. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study 260 CBCT volumes from 5 different CBCT centres in Central Gujarat region were collected between November 2020 till May 2021. The parameters of the second mandibular molars assessed were: Vertucci's root canal configuration, number of canals, distance of root apex from mandibular canal, degree of curvature, presence of extra root and C-shaped canal. The association between age and distance from root apex to mandibular canal was evaluated as secondary outcome. Chi- square test was used to analyse the relationship between the distance of the mandibular molar from the mandibular canal and age, a p-value of < 0.05 was judged statistically significant. Data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Version 21.0. Results: 3 canals were discovered in 73.8% of mandibular second molars, with Type II and Type I root canal configurations in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. With a mean curvature of 21.880, the incidence of C-shaped and Radix canal topologies was determined to be 5.3 percent and 6%, respectively. The average distance of mesial and distal roots from the mandibular canal was 3.04 and 2.78 respectively which decreased with age. The average distance between root of the tooth and mandibular canal is more in males than females and as the age advances the distance increases. Conclusion: In Central Gujarat population, mesial root of mandibular second molar shows Vertucci's type II canal configuration while distal root presented with type I. C shaped canal configuration with fused roots and Radix Entomolaris was seen in (5.4% and 2.3% respectively). Additionally, as the age advances the distance of root apex from mandibular canal increases.