Racially-determined Variations in Root and Canal Morphology of Teeth Used in the UP College of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Endodontics Course

Abstract

Background and Objective: Knowledge on racially-determined root canal variations could be very helpful in confirming the location of root canals and their subsequent management. This in vitro study was performed to investigate the root and canal morphology of teeth used by students of Endodontics of the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD).

Methodology: The lengths of human permanent teeth with access cavities (n=1992) were measured from a predetermined reference point till the apex. To determine canal length, a file was inserted until its tip was at the apical foramen, and then from this measurement, 0.5 mm. was subtracted. The teeth were then decalcified, cleared and stained. Canal configuration was examined with a loupe having 3.5x magnification. Frequency distribution was used to present the results.

Results and Conclusions: All anterior teeth and mandibular second premolars had one root, as well as most maxillary second premolars (90%) and mandibular first premolars (99%). Most mandibular first (99%) and second molars (77%) had two roots. Most maxillary first (97%) and second molars (68%) had three roots. All maxillary central incisors, the distobuccal and palatal roots of maxillary molars, and most of the distal roots of the mandibular second molars (97%) had one canal (Type I). The predominant canal configurations for roots with two canals are Type III (1-2-1) for all anterior teeth except maxillary canines and for the distal root of mandibular second molars; Type V (1-2) for maxillary canines and mandibular premolars; and Type II (2-2) for maxillary second premolars, mandibular first molars and all other roots. The teeth in this study exhibited features common to teeth of both Asian and non-Asian races.

Key words: root canal, root canal length, canal configuration, root morphology