Anatomic comparison and prevalence of additional canals in contralateral maxillary first and second molars using cone beam computed tomography – An ex vivo study

BACKGROUND: Numerous cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies have been done to analyze the canal anatomy of maxillary molars. However, research on comparison of symmetry in contralateral molars in the Indian population is limited. AIM: The aim of this study is to identify and assess the variations in the internal anatomy based on Vertucci's classification and to compare the prevalence of additional canals in contralateral maxillary first molar (Mx 1 M) and maxillary second molar (Mx 2 M) using CBCT. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 120 small and medium field of view CBCT images with Mx1M and Mx2M were collected and retrospectively evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronal, sagittal, and axial views of CBCT scans were analyzed by scrolling the scans, adjusting the contrast and brightness, and magnifying the canal configuration, along with additional canals and symmetry were identified and recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using McNemar's test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Both Mx1M and Mx2M showed bilateral symmetry in the mesiobuccal root with Type I canal anatomy in 86.1% and 97.8%, respectively. The MB2 canal was evident in 34.1% of Mx1M and 8.4% of Mx2M. CONCLUSION: Variations such a single-rooted and two-rooted teeth in Mx2M with Type I Vertucci's canal anatomy were seen. The MB2 canal was the only additional canal found.