Ethnical Anatomical Differences in Mandibular First Permanent Molars between Indian and Saudi Arabian Subpopulations: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim and objective: The variation in the anatomy of the root canal system has anthropological and demographic significances. The aim of this study was to compare the number of roots, root canals, and internal canal morphology of permanent mandibular first molars between Indian and Saudi Arabian populations. Materials and methods: A total of 523 (255 teeth of Indian sample and 268 teeth of Saudi Arabian sample) mandibular first molar (M1) were included for comparative analysis using cone-beam computed tomography images based on the inclusion criteria. The external and internal morphologies were assessed and compared by trained endodontist and the data was recorded. Results: M1 with three roots were found in 3.9% of the Indian population and 6% of the Saudi population. Overall, high prevalence was observed in two roots (95.0%), three canals (70.4%), Vertucci type IV of the mesial root (56.0%), and Vertucci type I of the distal root (76.7%). Comparison between Indian and Saudi Arabian molars revealed significant differences in relation to the number of canals (p <0.001), Vertucci types of the mesial root (p = 0.008), and Vertucci types of the distal root (p <0.001). Differences between genders for the whole sample revealed significant differences in relation to Vertucci types of the distal root (p = 0.025) with a relatively high male prevalence of type I (54.4%) and type IV (57.1%). Conclusion: The predominant parameters of M1 were two roots, three canals, Vertucci type II and IV mesial root configuration, and type I distal root configuration irrespective of both populations. The root canal morphology of Indian and Saudi Arabian populations shares a common trait of Asian origin. Clinical significance: The likelihood of predicting the complex system of the root canal with marked preference to ethnic identity would be a clinical benefit for the dentist performing root canal treatment.