Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of C-shaped canals and radicular grooves in mandibular premolars: Prevalence and related factors

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped canals and radicular grooves (RGs) in mandibular premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and correlating it with other factors like age, sex, unilateral, and bilateral prevalence. Materials and methods: CBCT images of 242 patients with an age group of 13-70 years were selected from pre-existing database. The prevalence of C-shaped canal and RG was recorded along with variables such as age, sex, and bilateral prevalence. Statistical analysis: Prevalence was compared using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of C-shaped configurations in the mandibular first premolars (17.4%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared with the mandibular second premolars (7.4%). CBCT analysis revealed that in cervical third, 88% of canals were found to be C4 type. A high prevalence of C2 type canal was found in middle (68.6%) and apical third (31.3%). The prevalence of RG in the mandibular first premolars (13%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared with the mandibular second premolars (4.3%). There was no statistically significant difference between sex and prevalence of C-shaped canals and RG but it was significantly higher in the age group of <50 years (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of C-shaped canals and RG in mandibular first premolars as compared with mandibular second premolars. The prevalence of the C-shaped canal and RG was significantly higher in the age group of <50 years. This knowledge may aid the clinicians for good endodontic prognosis. Clinical significance: This study result provides valuable insight into the prevalence of C-shaped canal and RG among the premolars which can help clinicians to prevent perforations or root fractures.