Analysis of Root Canal Anatomy & Morphological Variations of Maxillary 1st Molar by Different Methods - An In Vitro Study

Background: Successful endodontic treatment involves accurate diagnosis, good understanding of the biological principles and excellent execution of the treatment. To execute an excellent treatment, it’s imperative that the clinician has comprehensive knowledge of the root canal anatomy and then know-how to locate and treat this anatomy. Objective: To analyze the internal anatomy of the maxillary first molar, to report the incidence of fourth root canals by comparing the efficacy of three diagnostic methods, Operating microscope, Cone beam computerized tomography and clearing technique. Material methods: A sample size of 126 sound non carious, intact human maxillary 1st molar were taken for the study and were divided into three groups according of method of analysis of root canal system-(Group 1: operating microscope, Group 2: Cone beam computerized tomography, Group 3:clearing technique). Anatomical variation in form of additional canal in mesiobuccal root was analyzed for total incidence. Results: For statistical analysis, Mean and Standard deviation were calculated for each group by using chi square test which revealed statistically significant difference between group 2 and 3 and non-significant difference between group 1 and group 2.