Occurrence of C-Shaped Canal in Mandibular First and Second Molars in the Erbil Population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Rasti Omar  Sedeeq; Raid Fahim  Salman

doi:10.56056/amj.2025.314

Authors

Rasti Omar Sedeeq BDS.(HMU), KHCMS Trainee, Erbil Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health
Raid Fahim Salman B.D.S, M.Sc., Ph.D Conservative Dentistry , Professor , Hawler medical University(college of dentistry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56056/amj.2025.314

Keywords:

CBCT, Fan criteria, Shaped-shaped canal

Abstract

Background and objective: Anatomy of the root canal system and determining the number and form of the canals are the most important steps for successful root canal therapy without post-operative complications. The objective of the current research was to apply cone beam computed tomography as a mean to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in mandibular 1^st and 2^nd molars of the Erbil citizens.

Methods: the study was done retrospectively in February 2023 to September 2023 at the Private Dental Center, Erbil, Iraq. A group of individuals who had cone-beam computed tomography examinations were chosen for the study. The cone-beam computed tomography examinations were conducted at three distinct axial levels, and based on the Fan criteria, the mandibular molars were categorized as C-shape. cone-beam computed tomography scans were utilized to determine the existence and features of C-shaped canals. The data were examined based on the status of unilateral or bilateral, gender, types of C-shaped configurations, and distribution across the root thirds.

Result: The analysis of 676 molars from 222 patients revealed low occurrence rates of this anatomic feature in mandibular first molars 3 cases (0.97%), but mandibular second molars exhibit a comparatively greater frequency 28 case (7.62%). The incidence of C-shaped canals varied by status of unilateral or bilateral, gender, types of C-shaped configurations, and their distribution across the root thirds. There was a significant difference between the total number of c-shaped canals found in mandibular second molars in the male and female, on the other hand there was no significant difference in the mandibular first molar.

Conclusion: The results in mandibular second molars demonstrated a greater frequency of C-shaped canals compared to mandibular first molars. Females exhibited a greater incidence of C-shaped canals, and bilateral cases were more frequent in females than males.

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