Root canal configurations of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the canal anatomy and morphology of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria. Methods: One-hundred and sixty permanent fully developed apices of the mandibular premolars (95 first mandibular premolars and 65 second mandibular premolars) were collected and stored in 10% cloramine-T solution. Teeth were stained with India Ink and cleared. The number and the type of root canal were examined in the root of each cleared mandibular premolar. Results: The results showed that 82.1% of first mandibular premolars had a single canal and 17.9% contained two canals. Eighty three percent of second mandibular premolars had a single canal, 15.3% two canals, and 1.5% three canals. Conclusion: Most of mandibular premolars have a single canal with the probability of presence of two or more canals. This possibility of the existence of two or more canals in the mandibular premolars should be considered by the dentists while performing endodontic therapy.