Occurence of Number of Canals in Maxillary Second Molar in South Indian Population - A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Maxillary molars contain various anatomical variations with diverse shapes and forms. The variations in root canal anatomy may be due to developmental patterns or may have a genetic influence. The root morphological studies have led to a better understanding of canal morphology that contributes to successful cleaning and shaping of the root canal system. This study was done to assess the prevalence of the number of canals in Maxillary second molars and to determine its association with age and gender in a South Indian Population by evaluating post- operative periapical radiographs. A total of 384 case sheets of root canal treated maxillary second molars were reviewed and analyzed. The patients undergoing root canal treatment for maxillary second molars were screened, and cases selected for the study were in the age group of 18- 65 years. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Out of 384 teeth, 211 were male and 173 were female patients. Number of canals had no significant correlation with age but had significant association with gender (p=0.085). There were 3 canals in most of the cases. Within the limitations of the study, the maxillary second molars consisted mostly of 3 canals in both male and female patients. There was significant association between gender and number of canals.