Back ground and aims

  A through knowledge of the root canal morphology is required for successful endodontic therapy.The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular third molars in Kerman , a province in south east of Iran.
Materials and methods

 One hundred fifty extracted mandibular third molars were collected randomly from different dental Clinics in Kerman.The root canal anatomy and morphology of each tooth was carefully studied using a clearing technique.The following features were evaluated under ×2to ×3 magnification achieved from stereomicroscope : ( 1) root number and morphology.2 )number of canals per root 3 )root canal configuration according to Vertucci classification.4)incidence of dilacerated roots and C-shaped canals in mandibular third molars in this population.
Results

  From the total of 150 mandibular third molars studied 21% had one root .The majority of teeth (73%) had two roots .5.5% of the teeth had three roots.The incidence of c-shaped canal was 3.5% in this study and 8% of teeth had at least one dilacerated root.
Conclusion

  Although root canal anatomy and morphology of mandibular third molars is very variable having 2 roots seems to be the normal anatomy for these teeth .

 Source: Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects

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