Root Canal System of Permanent Maxillary First Molar Among Group of Libyan Population.

Abstract

Objectives: It is critical to have a proper knowledge about the normal anatomy of the pulp and its variations for success of endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the root canals morphology of Libyan maxillary first molars and check the agreement between different steps of the technique. Materials and Methods: Fifty maxillary first permanent molars were collected from the Central Dental Clinic in Benghazi – Libya. All teeth were extracted from Libyan patients. Access cavities were prepared and canals orifices were located. The samples were subjected to decalcification by 5% nitric acid, clearing by methyl salicylate and dye penetration before studying. The cleared teeth were examined and data related to number of roots, canal type following Vertucci’s classification, presence of lateral canals, presence of inter canals communication and position/number of apical foramina were collected. Results: In the maxillary first molars, 92% of the teeth had three separate roots. The palatal root was fused with the mesiobuccal root and with the distobuccal root in 6% and 2% respectively. A total of 74% of the mesiobuccal root had two canals. Based on Vertucci’s classification the different types of canal identified were: mesiobuucal root Type I (16%), Type II (24%), Type III (4%), Type IV (42%), Type V (4%), Type VI (8%). The distobuccal root displayed Type I (96%), Type II (2%) and Type III 2%. Only one (2%) mesiobuccal root was found to has three canals of additional classification (3-1-3canals). The most prevalent canal configuration in the palatal roots is Type I (98%), where the other 2% is Type V. Apical deltas and Canal intercommunications were more frequent in the mesiobuccal root when compared with distobuccal and palatal roots. Lateral canals were more frequent in the palatal root when compared with the other two roots. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the mesiobuccal root tended to have more variations in the canal system followed by the distobuccal root, whereas the palatal root had the least. The findings in root and canal morphology of this Libyan population were different from previous studies, which may partly be attributed to racial differences.