Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of root and canal anatomy of maxillary first premolars in Iraqi sub-population

Successful root canal treatment requires a thorough understanding of root canal morphology. This study investigated the root canal morphology and the fine anatomical characteristics of maxillary first premolars in an Iraqi sub-population using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and classified using Vertucci and Ahmed et al. systems. A total of 151 extracted maxillary first premolars were collected, cleaned and disinfected. The collected teeth were scanned using a micro-CT system. The images were segmented and three-dimensionally (3D) reconstructed using Mimics research software, for the evaluation of root canal morphology, isthmuses and accessory canals. The data were analysed using the Monte Carlo simulations for Chi-Square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results showed that out of the 151 maxillary first premolars, 82 (54.3%) were double-rooted and 69 (45.7%) were single-rooted. The most common root canal configuration in the single-rooted teeth was Vertucci Type VII (Ahmed et al. code 1MaxP1-2-1-2), and Vertucci Type IV (Ahmed et al. code 2MaxP B1P1) was the most common type in the double-rooted teeth. About 15.2% of the samples could not be classified by Vertucci system and were classified using Ahmed et al. system. Isthmuses were observed in 28.5% of the samples with the middle root third was the most common location. Isthmus prevalence was significantly higher in single-rooted teeth (50.7%) compared to the double-rooted teeth (9.8%) (P