Three-dimensional evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary first premolars: Micro–computed tomographic study

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the root and root canal morphology of maxillary first premolar teeth in a Kuwaiti population using micro–computed tomography (μ- CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 maxillary first premolars were scanned in a micro– computed tomographic device. The external anatomy (number of roots, distance from cementoenamel junction to apex, and presence of a palatal groove) and internal anatomy (number of canals and presence of apical deltas, lateral canals, and isthmi) of teeth were analyzed using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The number of roots was one root (57 %), two roots (41 %), and three roots (2 %). The longest and shortest roots measured 17.7 and 11.2 mm, respectively. The palatal groove was present in 63.4 % of the teeth. According to Vertucci’s classification, type IV configuration was the most prevalent (53 %), followed by type II. A new root canal configuration type (1–2–1–2–1) was detected. Apical deltas, lateral canals, and isthmi were present in 33 %, 48 %, and 21 % of teeth, respectively. CONCLUSION: Type IV canal configuration was the most common root canal configuration. A new root canal configuration type IX for (1–2–1–2–1) was proposed for Kuwaiti population. The μ-CT device could to be a better diagnostic tool for understanding the anatomy of the root canal system.