A study on the C-shaped root canal system of mandibular second molar

Dong-Gyun Lee; Jun-Mo Park; Ho-Keel Hwang

doi:10.5395/JKACD.2007.32.4.335

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Lee, Park, and Hwang: A study on the C-shaped root canal system of mandibular second molar

Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry

Journal of Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 2007; 32(4): 335-342.

Published online: 31 July 2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2007.32.4.335

A study on the C-shaped root canal system of mandibular second molar

Dong-Gyun Lee, Jun-Mo Park, Ho-Keel Hwang

Department of Conservative Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Graduate School, Chosun University, Korea.

Corresponding Author: Ho-Keel Hwang. Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, 421 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Korea, 501-825. Tel: 82-62-220-3840, 3847 Fax: 82-62-232-9064, rootcanal@hanmail.net

Received 19 March 2007 Revised 1 May 2007 Accepted 29 May 2007

(open-access):

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

C-shaped canals are known to present a complex canal anatomy with numerous fins connecting individual canals, thus requiring supplementary effort to accomplish a successful root canal treatment. This study examined the frequency of the C-shaped mandibular second molars and interrelation between the clinical records and radiographs to recognize them treated in the Department of Conservative Dentistry of the Chosun University Dental Hospital during a six-year period (1998 - 2004). This study reviewed the clinical records of 227 patients who underwent root canal treatment of the mandibular second molars. After opening the chamber, those cases with C-shaped orifices in the pulpal floor were selected, and the C-shaped root canal types were classified according to Melton's criteria. Three experienced dentists evaluated the radiographs of the C-shaped mandibular second molar on a viewer using a magnifying glass in order to determine if the root apex was fused or separated, the distal root canal was either centered or mesial shifted in the distal root, and if there was bilateral symmetry in a panorama. In conclusion, there is a high frequency of C-shaped mandibular second molars in Koreans. Simultaneous interpretation of the root shape and distal root canal using the preoperative, working length and post-treatment radiographs is important for diagnosing a C-shaped mandibular second molar.

Keywords: C-shaped canals, Mandibular second malars, Radiographs, Pulpal floor, Distal root

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

Classification of the C-shaped root canal orifice.

Figure 2

Classification of the C-shaped root shape.

Figure 3

Classification of the location of the distal root canal in a C-shaped root.

Figure 4

Bilateral symmetry of the C-shaped root canal.

Figure 5

Frequency of the C-shaped root canal types.

^*: Significantly different at p < 0.01 (χ² test)

Figure 6

Root shape of the C-shaped mandibular second molar.

^*: Significantly different at p < 0.01 (χ² test)

Figure 7

Location of the distal root canal with a C-shaped mandibular second molar.

^*: Significantly different at p < 0.01 (χ² test)

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