Assessment of root canal morphology of mandibular first molar in Indian population

The morphology of the root canal systems of mandibular molars may vary according to ethnic differences and origin, age, gender, and study design. The present study was conducted to assess root canal morphology of mandibular first molar in Indian population. The present invitro study was conducted on 120 extracted mandibular first molars (MFMs). Root canal curvature was assessed according to Schneider’s method. The samples were evaluated using a stereomicroscope under 10X magnification. The number of root canals, the type of canals based on Vertucci’s classification and the isthmii at the distances of 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex, were recorded for each tooth. Mesial root had 2 canals in 100% samples and distal roots had 1 in 65% and 2 in 35%. The most common canal morphology was type IV in 50%, type II seen in 41%, type III in 6.5% and type V in 2.5% in mesial root and type I in 62%, type II in 24%, type IV in 9%, type III in 3% and type V in 2% in distal canal. The mean length of mesial root was 15.4 mm, distal root was 15.1 mm and disto-lingual root was 8.2 mm. In mesial root, isthmii 2 mm from apex was seen in 22%, at 4 mm in 45% and at 6 mm in 33%. At distal root, 34% at 2 mm, 36% at 4 mm and 30% at 6 mm. Authors found that most common mandibular first molar morphology in mesial root was type IV in mesial and type I in distal root.