A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study to Evaluate Variations in Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Premolars and Its Relation to Mental Foramen in an Indian Sub-Population

Aim: Using cone beam computed tomography, the study intends to assess changes in mandibular premolar root canal shape and its link to the mental foramen in the Central Gujarat population.

Study Design: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Between September 2021 and December 2022 the was conducted at the K M Shah Dental College in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, in combination with CBCT facilities in the Central Gujarat area.

Methodology:250 CBCT scans of medium and large FOV were obtained with approval from the institutional ethics committee. The images were analyzed for anatomical differences between the mandibular first and second premolars as well as the position of the mental foramen and how it relates to the mandibular premolars.

Results: The most frequent morphologies in both the premolars were type I, that is 89.6 % and 72% respectively followed by type II 6.4% and 20.8%. Only one 1st Premolar [0.8%] and four 2nd premolars [3.2%] out of 250 were reported with type III Vertucci’s canal configuration. The Prevalence rate of Straight root canals in both premolars was 98.1%. Mental foramen were most frequently found [58%] under the apex of the first premolar.

Conclusion: Type I Vertucci's canal configuration is the most prevalent morphological variation observed in the mandibular premolar population in central Gujarat, followed by type II Vertucci's canal configuration. Additionally, the mental foramen is most frequently found between the apex of premolars and below the apex of the mandibular second premolar.