Evaluation of Maxillary Molar Root Canal Morphology in a Tertiary Care Setting in Lahore, Pakistan

Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Molars

  • Faiza Awais Associate Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, Rashid Latif Dental College/Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore Pakistan
  • Maliha Shahbaz Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Biology, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore Pakistan http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7620-8244
  • Farhat Kazmi Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Rashid Latif Dental College/Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore Pakistan http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0849-1209
  • Hanna Abdul Majeed Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, Rashid Latif Dental College/Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore Pakistan http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6009-0480
  • Saadia Manzar Associate Professor, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Rashid Latif Dental College/Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7285-238X
  • Naauman Zaheer Professor, Department of Oral Biology, Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4430-9515
  • Hazik Bin Shahzad Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, Rashid Latif Dental College/Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6524-7261
Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Maxillary molars, C-configured canals

Abstract

Background: Successful endodontic procedures rely on a comprehensive understanding of tooth anatomy and meticulous canal preparation, cleaning, and filling. Failures can occur due to missed canals and complex canal morphology despite the general success of these procedures. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the root and canal morphology on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of maxillary molars among the population of Lahore. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Settings: Rashid Latif Khan University, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: Six months from June 2022 to January 2023. Methods: Root number, canal number, and configurations were analyzed in 206 CBCT images of maxillary molars from 55 patients. Results: The majority of maxillary first molars had three roots and four canals (66.7%), whereas the second molars commonly had three roots and three canals (72.5%). The maxillary third molars showed variable root forms. Type I and IV patterns were prevalent in the mesiobuccal (MB) roots of the second and first molars, respectively. Palatal roots mostly showed Type I configuration, though the first molars displayed more variation. The occurrence of C-shaped canals was low (1.8%). These findings align with previous studies, confirming the commonality of three roots in maxillary molars. Conclusion: CBCT imaging provides a detailed analysis of endodontic morphology, improving endodontic treatment outcomes by offering a comprehensive understanding of complex anatomy, in cases with variations like C- configured canals.

Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
Awais, F., Shahbaz, M., Kazmi, F., Majeed, H. A., Manzar, S., Zaheer, N., & Shahzad, H. B. (2025). Evaluation of Maxillary Molar Root Canal Morphology in a Tertiary Care Setting in Lahore, Pakistan: Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Molars. Annals of Punjab Medical College, 19(2), 127-131. https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2025.1627