Abstract
Background: Lack of knowledge of root anatomy is the second most common reason for failed endodontic therapy. Therefore, acquiring knowledge about it leads to a more effective treatment. C-shaped canal is an anatomical variation that causes clinical challenges. The objective of this study is to determine the occurrence of the C-shaped roots in permanent anterior and posterior teeth of the Iranian population using CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. In this study, 1408 teeth were assessed. Cranex 3D Mid was used to prepare CBCT images. Each tooth was examined in axial sections, and five different levels were identified as coronal, medium, apical, 1/3, and 2/3. The canal shapes were classified into 5 categories based on modified Melton’s method. Data were analysed using the chi-square test at a significance level of 5%in SPSS version 24.0.
Results: In total, of 1408 teeth which were evaluated, 7.81% (110) were confirmed to have C-shaped canals. The occurrence of the C-shaped canal was significantly higher in molars (P < 0.001). The occurrence of the C-shaped canal was significantly higher in mandibular teeth (10.04%) compared to maxillary teeth (5.81%) (P < 0.001). The most common C-shaped canal category was C1 (57.27%). The relationship of gender and age with the C-shaped canal occurrence was not statistically significant (P = 0.585, P = 0.562, respectively).
Conclusions: CBCT is a useful tool to evaluate C-shaped root canal morphology. The high occurrence of the C-shaped canal in the Iranian population requires clinical awareness.