Evaluación tridimensional tipo C en molares inferiores mediante tomografía de haz cónico.

Abstract

Introduction: C-shaped root canals result from a developmental defect of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath on the lingual or buccal aspect. They are most frequently located in mandibular second molars. Objective: To evaluate three- dimensionally C-shaped canals in mandibular molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Method: This observational, quantitative study analyzed 152 lower second molars from 76 patients at the DEX Dental Clinic using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The study assessed the presence of type C canals according to the Fan et al. classification, as well as arch side, age, sex, root fusion, canal shape, internal morphology, and the number and diameter of canals. Results: Low frequency of type C canals, especially in molars 37 and 47. C1–C2 patterns were more frequent in all three thirds. At the apical and cervical levels, the morphology was continuous, while in the middle third it was separated. The canal shape varied in all three thirds. There were no differences in three-dimensional morphology between molar types. Conclusion: CBCT identified few patients with type C canals.