PREVALENCE OF MIDDLE DISTAL CANALS IN THE MANDIBULAR MOLARS IN INDIAN SUBPOPULATION USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Authors: Ayushree Bhardwaj, Rohit Kochhar, Manju Kumari, Mansi Punjabi, Navneet Kaur

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijce.12260.1870979945

Keywords: Middle distal canal; mandibular molars; cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); root canal anatomy; anatomical variation; Indian population; endodontics.

Abstract: Aim: To assess the prevalence and anatomical configuration of middle distal (MD) canals in mandibular molars among an Indian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on CBCT scans of 500 patients obtained for routine dental diagnostics. Mandibular first and second molars (total = 1411 teeth) were evaluated in axial sections from the pulp chamber to the apex. The presence, configuration, and spatial relationship of MD canals were documented and classified based on the criteria established by Pomeranz et al. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings. Results: Out of 1411 mandibular molars (717 first molars, 694 second molars), MD canals were identified in only 2 mandibular first molars (0.1%). Both presented with a confluent configuration, merging apically with the distolingual canal. No MD canals were observed in mandibular second molars. The MD canal orifice was either equidistant from the distobuccal and distolingual canals or closer to the distolingual canal. Conclusion: The prevalence of middle distal canals in mandibular molars in this Indian subpopulation was low. Despite their rarity, clinicians should remain vigilant during endodontic procedures to identify such anatomical variations. CBCT serves as a valuable adjunct in the detection of complex root canal morphology.