Three-dimensional analysis of maxillary first molar mesiobuccal root canal configuration and curvature using micro-computed tomography

Objective. The complex anatomic configuration of the maxillary first molar mesiobuccal (MB) root canal system has been the subject of several studies. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the 3-dimensional (3D) characteristics of the maxillary first molar MB canal system using micro-computed tomography (microCT). Study design. Extracted maxillary first molars (46) were scanned by microCT and their canals reconstructed by 3D modeling software. Results. In these MB roots, nearly two-thirds (65.2%) had 2 canals, fewer than one-third (28.3%) had only 1 canal, and a few (6.5%) had 3 canals. The most common root canal configuration was 2 distinct canals (type III: 37.0%), followed by 1 single canal (type I: 28.3%), 2 canals that joined together (type II: 17.4%), 1 canal that split into 2 (type IV: 10.9%), and 3 canals (type V: 6.5%). Conclusion. MicroCT provided an in-depth analysis of canal configurations, as well as length, curvature, and location of calcified segments. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 437-442)